If swallowing a pill fills with dread, you are not alone. Although this might seem like a problem that a child might be facing, you would be surprised to know that most adults find it hard to swallow their medicinal pills.
According to a study made by a research firm Harris Interactive, 40% of the adults are fine with eating their food but have problems swallowing their pills.
Our body is one of the most complex mechanisms; it instinctively knows when food has been chewed enough to be swallowed. However, when we swallow something, and the body considers it too large, it poses a choking risk; it activates your gag reflexes.
Some people might face problems with swallowing pills because of the gags, but this problem stems from mental blocks for many adults. In that case, the problem can be solved by simply using swallowing gel.
What Causes Swallowing Difficulties With Pill?
Most people have problems swallowing large pills and capsules. But in our study, we have also found patience that finds it difficult to swallow even a small pill. This might be the emotional and physical issues.
Some Of the most common reasons why people face issues with swallowing pills are:
- Emotional and anxiety issues.
- Hypersensitive gag reflex.
- Aversion to taste.
- Radiation therapy.
Tips To Make Swallowing Pill Easier
If you have problems swallowing things, swallowing a pill might give you a hard time. Unfortunately, struggling to swallow a pill is not an uncommon occurrence. People from all age groups face this problem. Regardless of this problem, you cannot stop taking your medicine.
That being said, here we are with the most effective tips to swallow pills.
Tip 1: Sip Water Before Swallowing Pill
This is one of the easiest methods without any additional preparation to make. You probably drink water to gulp down your pill. Try adding an extra step to this method. Drink water before taking your pill.
By drinking water before consuming pills, wet your mouth and ensure that the pills do not get stuck in your throat due to dryness.
Tip 2: Use Bottle Method
Using the bottle method to swallow your pill is remarkably effective. In fact, research conducted by a German shows that these methods made it possible for people to swallow their pills.
- Take a flexible plastic bottle and fill it with water.
- Put the pill on your tongue and seal your lips tightly around the bottle opening.
- Using the sucking force, try to drink water from the bottle.
- Do not allow any air to pass through.
Tip 3: Try Swallowing Gel
If you want a product that helps with your swallowing problem, thankfully, the market offers many. Swallowing gel coats the pill and makes the surface of the pill slippery. So, when you swallow the pill, it slips right through the throat to the stomach.
One of the best parts of using Swallowing gel is that it doesn’t react with the pills. In fact, swallowing gel also improves the taste of the pills.
Tip 4: Lean Forward
This is one of the techniques that most people do subconsciously when they have problems swallowing pills.
- Put the pill on your tongue.
- Take a sip of water. However, do not swallow the water instantly.
- Now, tilt your chin slightly forward towards your chest.
- Swallow the pill and water with your head bent forward.
What If The Pill Got Stuck Down The Way?
Having a pill stuck in your throat while swallowing can potentially be a dangerous situation. If the situation is not taken care of immediately, it can cause a choking hazard. Furthermore, the pill might dissolve in the throat burning your esophagus lining.
When you encounter such a situation, the first thing you need to do is to remain calm. If you can breathe, try taking a sip of water. For better effect, take a bite of food and try to gulp it down with water. This activity will dislodge the stuck pill inside your throat. However, if you feel that your way is completely blocked, without any wait, call 9-1-1.
