Objective  To observe the effect of press-needle in auricular points combined with acupoints in treating intractable hiccups induced by chemotherapy for lung cancer.

  Methods  Totally 63 patients with intractable hiccups caused by chemotherapy for lung cancer were randomly divided into press-needle group (n=32) and control group (n=31). The press-needle group was treated with press-needle therapy in auricular points combined with acupoints, while the control group was treated with metoclopramide hydrochloride, and both groups were treated for 7 days. The changes of hiccup score and quality of life score before and after treatment were observed in both groups, and the total effective rate was evaluated as well.

  Results  The hiccup scores at 3 and 7 days of treatment in the press-needle group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). At 7 days of treatment, the total clinical effective rate in the press-needle group was 93.8%, which was significantly higher than 71.0% in the control group (P < 0.05). At 7 days of treatment, the scores of quality of life such as spirit status, sleep and diet in the press-needle group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The adverse reactions in both groups were less and the symptoms were mild.

  Conclusion  Press-needle in auricular points combined with acupoints is effective in the treatment of intractable hiccup caused by chemotherapy for lung cancer, which can improve the quality of life of patients.