According to Galen’s explanation, hiccough is occasioned by any exciting
cause which rouses the stomach to violent emotions. He states that
sneezing proves a cure to it. (De Caus. Sym. iii, 6.) Celsus says, in
like manner, ‘Singultus sternutamento finitur.’ He states that frequent
and unusual hiccuping is symptomatic of an inflamed liver. (ii, 7.)
Aëtius, in like manner, says that singultus in fevers often arises from
inflammation of the stomach and neighbouring parts. He treats of the
complaint at great length. When it arises from pungent humours, he gives
first emetics, and afterwards narcotics, such as opium, &c. He also
applies a cupping instrument with great heat to the breast, stomach, and
back, in certain cases. (ix, 5.)
Alexander gives an interesting account of this affection, for which he
recommends various remedies. When connected with inflammation of the
stomach or liver, he begins with bleeding. When it is occasioned by thick
and viscid humours, he recommends an oxymel of squills, the composition
of which he minutely describes. He also speaks favorably of emetics.
When the humours are of a pungent nature he approves of diluents and the
drinking of tepid water. Sometimes, he adds, he has known a draught of
cold water prove effectual. (vii, 15.)
When singultus is connected with a cold cause, the author of the
‘Euporista,’ ascribed to Dioscorides, recommends us to put the feet into
hot water, to take tepid draughts, and apply hot fomentations to the
stomach. (ii, 4.)
Though there is perhaps nothing original in the views of the Arabians,
they treat of hiccough very fully and accurately. Among the causes of it,
mentioned by Alsaharavius, is inflammation of the stomach and liver,
in which case he recommends venesection. When connected with excessive
heat of these parts, he approves of cold air, cold drink, and refrigerant
draughts, containing prunes, tamarinds, camphor, &c. (xvi, 18.) The
causes of hiccough, according to Serapion, are evacuation, repletion,
pungent and cold humours. His remedies are emetics, calefacients, and
attenuants, which are to be directed according to the nature of the
exciting cause. (iii, 17.) See also Avicenna (iii, 13, v, 25); Rhases
(Divis. 62, ad Mansor. ix, 65, Cont. xi.) Rhases recommends calefacients,
such as cumin, pepper, rue, and the like, in vinegar. He also approves of
emetics and laxatives.
Prosper Alpinus says that the ancient Methodists approved of oily
emetics. (Meth. Med. vi, 8.) It will be remarked, that our author states
that many persons are seized with hiccough if they take peppers with
wine. Prosper Alpinus mentions that they had this effect on him (de Præs.
V. et M. ægr. iii, 9); and I have further to state the same of myself.
Rogerius, probably copying from Rhases (for the practice of the earlier
modern physicians is mostly borrowed from the Arabians), recommends
principally calefacient, attenuant, and carminative medicines, mixed with
gentle laxatives, such as prunes. (iii, 21.)