Zeenat Aman, the veteran Bollywood actress, recently shared a frightening experience where she almost choked on her blood pressure medicine. After a tiring day of work, she returned home and followed her nightly routine. However, when she swallowed her pill with water, it got stuck in her throat. This made breathing difficult and caused her to panic as she was alone at home with only her pets for company.
Choking on a pill is a common issue, especially for older adults or people with health conditions. It’s important to know how to handle such situations to avoid serious consequences. Read on to learn what steps you can take if a pill gets stuck in your throat and how to prevent it from happening.
“Like An Old Lady Suffocating On Her Tablets,” Zeenat Aman Recalls The Near-Death Experience
View this post on Instagram
In an emotional post on Instagram, Aman described her evening routine. Zeenat Aman proceeded with her nightly rituals, which included taking her blood pressure medication. She vividly described the moment, "I popped the pill into my mouth, took a sip of water, and then felt my breath catch. There it was, this little pill lodged in my throat. Too far down to regurgitate and too far up to swallow," the post read.
Despite being able to breathe, she felt a growing sense of panic as she realised that no one was home to help her. Fortunately, her son Zahaan came to her rescue, and they managed to get medical advice that the pill would dissolve over time. “Sometimes it's important to tackle an issue head-on. To confront, challenge, change,” said the post by the actress.
What To Do If A Pill Gets Stuck In Throat?
Dr Shubendu Mohanty, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, Shardacare - Healthy City, Greater Noida, shared safe and effective ways to take medicine pills. To reduce the danger of choking or oesophageal discomfort, the expert recommended sitting or standing erect while taking the pill.
However, if the pill gets stuck in the throat, below are a few effective methods that one can try.
- Stay Calm: Avoid panicking, as it can tighten your throat muscles and make the situation worse.
- Drink Water: Take a few big sips of water to try to wash the pill down. If this doesn’t work, try eating a small piece of food like bread or a banana to help push it down.
- Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: If you’re alone, make a fist and place it just above your belly button. Grab your fist with your other hand and press inward and upward quickly. You can also lean over a hard surface like a chair edge to apply pressure.
- Back Blows: Alternating with abdominal thrusts, give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
ALSO READ: Cold Weather and Cigarettes: Heightened Risks for Heart Disease and Impaired Lung Health
How To Prevent Pills From Getting Stuck In Throat
-1737530423748.jpg "zeenat aman coughing")
As per a study, people can consider the following tips to prevent the pills from getting stuck in the throat.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Take your pill with a full glass of water (about 200-250 mL). Drink water before, during, and after swallowing to keep your throat moist and help the pill slide down easily.
- Tilt Your Head Forward: Slightly tilt your head forward while swallowing. This relaxes your throat muscles and makes it easier to swallow the pill.
- Use Soft Foods: If allowed, take pills with soft foods like applesauce, yoghurt, or mashed potatoes. These can help cover the pill and make swallowing smoother.
- Try Different Techniques: Try methods like the "pop bottle" technique. Place the pill on your tongue and suck water from a bottle to help it go down easily.
- Check with a Pharmacist: Ask your pharmacist before crushing pills or opening capsules to make sure it’s safe for your medication.
- Stay Upright: Always sit or stand while taking pills to avoid any swallowing problems or complications.
ALSO READ: Are Fast Walkers More Stressed? Study Answers Do Depressed People Walk Slower
Conclusion
The medicine helps with health problems, but taking it the wrong way can cause serious issues. Always stay safe and follow healthcare advice, especially in difficult situations like this. If you have trouble swallowing pills or feel any discomfort, talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away. They can give you helpful tips and alternatives to make taking your medication easier and safer. Remember, staying informed about your health is important.