Most People Have Been Swallowing Pills Wrong, And This Is The Safer Way To Do It
Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference—especially when it comes to pill-swallowing hacks!
Struggling to swallow pills is a surprisingly common issue that affects more people than you might expect. For many, the act of taking a tablet feels much more daunting than swallowing food or beverages.
Research shows that nearly 40 percent of American adults face difficulties with swallowing pills despite having no issues with other types of consumption. This challenge is often linked to dysphagia, a condition characterized by swallowing difficulties that may stem from anxiety, acid reflux, or even a hypersensitive gag reflex.
Leanne Goldberg, a Speech and Language Pathologist who specializes in swallowing disorders, has provided valuable insights into why this issue is so widespread. She explains that swallowing pills can be problematic for a variety of reasons, ranging from physical factors like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to psychological barriers such as anxiety.
For some, the size or taste of the pill itself creates a mental block, while others may experience challenges due to long-term medical treatments that affect swallowing.
Fortunately, there are effective techniques to make pill-swallowing easier and safer. Understanding the underlying causes and adopting these methods can help those who struggle to overcome this frustrating and often overlooked problem.
Swallowing pills does not have to be a challenge. Just take a look...
Common Struggles and Their Causes
Dr. Goldberg explains that several factors can make swallowing pills challenging, including:
- A hypersensitive gag reflex
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Anxiety or aversion to the taste of pills
- Scarring in the esophagus caused by conditions like scleroderma or previous cancer treatments
These challenges can be frustrating, but understanding the underlying causes can help people find better techniques. If the difficulty persists, it’s essential to consult a medical professional, especially if swallowing food or liquids also becomes a problem.
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Safer and Easier Methods to Swallow Pills
If you’ve been tipping your head back to swallow pills, you might want to stop. According to Dr. Goldberg, this common method can increase the risk of choking by opening up the airway, making it easier for the pill to go down the wrong path.
Instead, she recommends a “chin-to-chest” or “lean forward” position, which closes off the airway and reduces choking risk.
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Another effective technique is using a spoonful of applesauce, yogurt, or similar puree-like foods.
Placing the pill in the center of the spoon and swallowing it with the food allows the pill to slide down smoothly.
For those with a hypersensitive gag reflex, taking a deep breath, holding it, placing the pill in the middle of the tongue, and swallowing firmly with a sip of water can make a big difference.
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Rethinking Pill-Swallowing
If these methods don’t work, it’s worth asking your doctor if your medication comes in liquid form or if the pill can be safely cut or crushed. Always check with a healthcare provider, as some pills lose their effectiveness or become unsafe when altered.
For something so routine, swallowing pills can be unexpectedly tricky for many people. By switching to safer methods, like the “chin-to-chest” technique or using soft foods, you can reduce the risk of choking and make the process more manageable.
Understanding these solutions can bring relief to anyone who dreads taking their medication.
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