Chronic hiccups in Dubai: Which Doctor to See
Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords. Most hiccups stop within minutes or hours, but hiccups that last more than 48 hours are considered persistent and deserve medical review.
Persistent or chronic hiccups can be caused by irritation of nerves that control the diaphragm, by problems in the digestive system, or by conditions affecting the brain or chest. In Dubai, factors such as dehydration, acid reflux from rich meals, strong air-conditioning drafts or dust exposure can contribute to hiccup triggers, though an underlying medical cause needs to be evaluated if hiccups continue.
When to seek urgent care
- •Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours
- •Difficulty breathing, choking, or blue lips — seek immediate care (call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department)
- •New-onset weakness, confusion, loss of balance, double vision, or other neurological signs
- •Severe chest pain or coughing up blood
- •Dehydration, inability to eat or drink, or rapid weight loss
If any of these apply, call 998 (Dubai ambulance) or go to the nearest emergency department. Emergency numbers
Conditions a doctor may consider
Commonly associated causes — only a doctor can diagnose which (if any) applies to you.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Acid reflux can irritate the lower esophagus and the nerves that trigger hiccups. A gastroenterologist commonly considers reflux when hiccups come with heartburn, regurgitation or meals that trigger symptoms.
Irritation of the phrenic or vagus nerves
These nerves control diaphragm movement; irritation from inflammation, tumors, or surgery can produce prolonged hiccups. Doctors investigate nearby chest or neck causes when nerve irritation is suspected.
Central nervous system conditions
Problems in the brainstem — such as stroke, infection, inflammation or tumors — can cause persistent hiccups because that area helps regulate breathing. Specialists will look for other neurological symptoms alongside hiccups.
Metabolic or medication-related causes
Electrolyte imbalances (like low sodium), kidney failure, or side effects of certain medications can be associated with prolonged hiccups. A clinician will review blood tests and drug history as part of the evaluation.
Chest conditions
Pleuritis, pneumonia or other lung conditions that irritate the diaphragm or nearby nerves can present with persistent hiccups. Chest imaging helps rule in or out these causes.
Which specialist should you see?
A gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in the digestive system) is the most commonly appropriate specialist for persistent or chronic hiccups because many cases are related to the esophagus, stomach or reflux. The gastroenterologist will assess for reflux, swallowing problems, and perform or arrange tests such as endoscopy or ambulatory reflux monitoring if indicated.
Other specialists may be involved depending on findings: a neurologist for suspected central nervous system causes, a pulmonologist for chest or lung-related causes, or an ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon if throat or neck pathology is suspected. For most people in Dubai, starting with a primary care doctor (GP) is sensible — your GP can do an initial assessment, basic tests, and refer you to the right specialist.
While you wait for your appointment
- •Stay hydrated and sip water slowly; avoid large, heavy meals or known trigger foods.
- •Avoid excessive alcohol, very hot or cold drinks, and sudden temperature changes from air-conditioning drafts.
- •Rest in a comfortable position and try relaxed, slow breathing — stress and agitation can make hiccups worse.
- •Keep a symptom diary noting timing, food, medications, and activities that precede hiccup episodes to share with your doctor.
What to expect at the visit
At your GP or specialist appointment you can expect questions about when the hiccups started, how long episodes last, any triggers, current medications, recent illness or surgery, and other symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, or neurological changes. A physical exam will focus on the chest, abdomen and a brief neurological check.
Common tests that may be arranged include blood tests (to check electrolytes and basic organ function), chest X-ray or CT, and tests for reflux such as endoscopy or pH monitoring if GERD is suspected. Referral to neurology or pulmonology comes from findings on history, exam or initial tests.
Top-rated gastroenterology facilities in Dubai
51 matching facilities, ranked by DubaiMed Rating.
Dr Piyush Somani Gastroenterologist
Dr Piyush Somani is consistently praised by patients for clear communication, calm manner, and successful endoscopic procedures (colonoscopy, gastroscopy, capsule endoscopy) performed at Emirates Specialty Hospital. Public evidence is strong on patient experience and procedural competence but limited or absent on formal credentials, pricing, and detailed facility/access information.
American Hospital Dubai Science Park
Based on multiple recent 5-star patient reviews and a strong Google rating, American Hospital Dubai Science Park appears to provide consistently kind, professional clinical care in a modern, clean facility. Evidence is strong on patient experience, emergency response and surgical/endoscopic care, but there is no website content or public pricing/credential information in the provided evidence.
Dr Kaiser Raja
Dr Kaiser Raja is presented as an experienced hepatologist and transplant hepatology consultant with consistently excellent patient reviews praising his diagnostic skill, long-term involvement, and communication. The website and reviews show strong expertise in complex liver disease and transplantation, but there is limited evidence about facilities, pricing, or booking processes.
Dr.Akhilesh
Dr. Akhilesh (Prime Hospital – Garhoud) is consistently praised in patient reviews for surgical skill, clear communication and attentive post‑operative follow up, and the clinic’s website highlights extensive laparoscopic and GI surgical experience. Public evidence about the physical facilities, pricing, hours or formal accreditations is limited, so judgments rely mainly on patient reports and the provider’s stated credentials.
DrNigelDubai Gastro-Liver Doc Cambridge University
Dr Nigel Beejay is presented as an experienced consultant gastroenterologist and endoscopy expert based at Emirates Hospital Jumeirah with consistently excellent patient reviews praising his communication, compassion, and clear explanations. The available evidence is strong on patient experience and clinical reputation but sparse on facility details, pricing/insurance transparency, and practical access information.
Aster Hospital - Mankhool
Aster Hospital - Mankhool is a Canadian-accredited, 100-bed hospital in Dubai with consistently positive patient reviews praising doctors, nurses and surgical/maternity outcomes. Website claims modern facilities (ICU, NICU, OTs, cath lab) and many specialties, but public evidence about pricing, wait times and parking is limited.
Swift Day Surgery
Swift Day Surgery Centre in Jumeirah shows consistently excellent patient feedback for minimally invasive procedures — reviewers repeatedly praise friendly staff, clear communication, and clean, well‑organized facilities. Website lists multiple specialist consultants and an affiliation with Biolitec, but public details on pricing, formal accreditations, and hours are limited.
Dr. Gaurav Muktesh
Dr. Gaurav Muktesh is a highly experienced gastroenterologist with strong qualifications and consistently excellent patient reviews praising communication, procedural skill and outcomes. The website documents advanced training and a large volume of endoscopic experience, but public information about clinic facilities, hours or pricing is limited.
Yugen Care by Dr. Gehad
Yugen Care by Dr. Gehad is a well-reviewed Jumeirah medical and wellness clinic with consistently positive patient reports about friendly staff, good outcomes (notably pilonidal surgery), and modern, clean facilities. Evidence is limited to the clinic website and a small sample of glowing reviews, so some operational and credential details are not documented here.
GMS Clinic
GMS Clinic is a small, downtown Dubai medical centre with consistently positive patient reviews praising clinicians, communication, and same-day access. The website lists an experienced, multilingual team and on-site diagnostics, but public information on pricing and external accreditations is limited.
Dr Cecilio Azar
Patient reviews consistently praise Dr. Cecilio Azar for kindness, clear communication, availability, and successful endoscopy/colonoscopy care. Evidence is strongly positive on patient experience and clinical outcomes, but there is little public information on facilities, pricing, or formal credentials.
HealthHub Day Surgery - Festival City
HealthHub Day Surgery - Festival City presents as a modern, well-equipped day-surgery and specialty clinic with consistently positive patient reports about staff kindness, communication, and safe procedures. The website documents extensive on-site diagnostics, a pharmacy and many specialties, but the evidence provided does not show pricing detail or formal accreditation information.
Chronic hiccups in Dubai — FAQs
Common questions about chronic hiccups and seeing a specialist in Dubai.
Sources & editorial note
This guide is consistent with public patient guidance from: NHS, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic.
This page is informational only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed doctor about your symptoms. In an emergency call 998.