A Rare Presentation of Hiccups Caused by Lung Abscess: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: A lung abscess is a pus-filled microbial infection of the lung that results in necrosis of the pulmonaryparenchyma, which may compress the vagal and phrenic nerves, leading to hiccups. Hiccups are usually harmless and self-limiting. They can become persistent if they last longer than 48 hr and they can become intractable if they last longer than two months. Despite the various non-medical conditions; metabolic issues, central nervous tissue disorders and nerve damage contribute to the etiology of hiccups.Aim:Several case reports suggest that vagus nerve irritation can lead to various cardiac, pulmonary and digestive problems. We aim to report a unique case of hiccups induced by phrenic nerve irritation caused by lung abscess.Clinical Details:A 59-year-old male patient who presented with right-sided chest pain and persistent hiccups induced by lung abscess for 4 days. The patient had a prior history of sputum-positive pulmonary Tuberculosis (treated and cured in 2002).Outcomes:The patient was managed with IV antibiotics and Tablet Baclofen and was discharged once the patient was stable.Conclusion:The unusual presentation of hiccups induced by phrenic nerve irritation has been less noted in clinical practice. This case report gives a thorough picture of the problems brought on by compression of the phrenic nerve due to a lung abscess.

Keywords: Lung abscess; Hiccups; Intractable; Vagus nerve irritation