For some people, taking medications or swallowing pills can be a task. It can cause a sense of choking or a feeling of vomiting, which can further enhance the fear of taking medicines. This fear often comes from both physical and psychological factors. By understanding these limitations and learning how to address them, managing this issue becomes easier. Interacting with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Shubendu Mohanty, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, Shardacare - Healthy City, Greater Noida, sheds light on the common underlying reasons and shares safe and effective ways to take pills, while also highlighting common mistakes people tend to make.
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Why Do Some People Face Difficulty In Swallowing Pills?
There can be various reasons why people face difficulty in swallowing pills. These can range from dry mouth, a narrow oesophagus, or general swallowing abnormalities like dysphagia, caused by neurological or muscle illnesses, says Dr Mohanty, adding that anxiety, fear of choking, and previous poor experiences can also contribute to the difficulties.
Large or scratchy pills can be more difficult to swallow. Incorrect swallowing skills or insufficient water intake can worsen the situation, which is when utilising aids such as pill lubricants or swallowing cups, crushing or splitting pills (if safe), or switching to liquid drugs or chewable tablets can help.
If you have more concerns, it is recommended to consult a healthcare physician and address the underlying reasons and seek appropriate solutions.
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What Is The Correct Way To Take Your Pills?
The way to go forward is to either read the drug label or follow instructions provided by your healthcare professional. To reduce the danger of choking or oesophageal discomfort, Dr Mohanty recommends sitting or standing erect. Steps include:
Place the pill on your tongue and drink water to gulp down the medication.
Swallow the pill with the water, and if necessary, lean a little forward to help it go down smoothly. Avoid breaking or crushing pills, if not allowed.
Drink plenty of water to ease swallowing and reduce the danger of the pill getting stuck in the throat.
In case a pill is difficult to swallow, consult your doctor about possible alternatives, including liquids, chewables, or lesser dosages.
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Simple Tricks To Make Taking Pills Easier
According to Dr Mohanty, there are several ways to make swallowing pills easier. He introduces the pop-bottle approach, which involves placing the tablet on the tongue, sipping water from a bottle, and swallowing while locking one’s lips around the bottle opening, using suction to help the pill go down.
Then there is the lean-forward technique, which involves placing the tablet on the tongue, sipping water, then leaning one’s head slightly forward as one swallows, allowing the pill to naturally slide down the throat.
Studies have also backed these two techniques to improve swallowing pills. In a 2014 cross-sectional study involving 151 German adults, the two techniques—the pop-bottle method for tablets and the lean-forward technique for capsules—helped ease pill swallowing. The study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that the pop-bottle method improved tablet swallowing for 59.7% of cases, while the lean-forward technique was even more effective, helping 88.6% of capsule-swallowing cases.
Additionally, there are also classic methods like cutting large tablets into smaller bits (if permitted) and utilising pill-swallowing aids such as gels or cups. Remember, always drink plenty of water and get proper guidance from an expert on safe pill swallowing techniques.
Mistakes To Avoid While Swallowing A Pill
If swallowing pills is difficult for you, then here are some mistakes to revisit:
- Taking medications without enough water
- Swallowing tablets while lying down or in a reclined position
- Crushing or splitting tablets without first determining whether it is safe to do so
- Skipping meals or taking medicines on an empty stomach
- Taking many medications at once without spacing them properly
- Ignoring recommendations, such as not consuming alcohol, dairy, or other certain foods, can interfere with the medication's effectiveness.
When To Consider Speaking With A Doctor?
For those of you who still face difficulty after correctly taking the pill and avoiding common mistakes, it is important to consult a doctor. Moreover, if difficulty swallowing pills persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, such as pain, the sensation of pills being lodged in the throat or chest, choking, or coughing while swallowing, seek medical attention.
You should also talk to a doctor if taking a pill causes nausea, vomiting, or a gag reflex that interferes with drug adherence. More worrying signs include weight loss, food regurgitation, or changes in voice, as these may indicate oesophageal strictures, reflux, or neurological disorders.
Lastly, if you're unable to ingest necessary medications due to dysphagia, a healthcare professional may recommend alternative formulations such as liquid preparations, transdermal patches, or effervescent pills.