It has been estimated that as many as 40% of people in the United States have serious problems swallowing pills. They may be able to swallow easily when it comes to food, but for some reason taking pills over a certain size causes anxiety and difficulty. Sometimes it is because of the size of the pill, sometimes it’s just a phobia about swallowing without chewing, and sometimes it is being nervous about swallowing something that is hard. Regardless of the reason, having trouble swallowing pills or the complete inability to swallow pills can cause problems when an illness needs to be treated with medication.
Reasons Why People Have Trouble Taking Pills
Having trouble swallowing pills can be a sign of more dangerous conditions than anxiety or phobias. However, those who have these conditions also have trouble swallowing food. The most serious condition is called dysphagia, which can cause many health problems, including malnutrition and respiratory problems such as pneumonia. This condition, depending on how serious it is, can be treated with exercises, surgery or medication.
When many people who have difficulty swallowing pills take a pill, they usually throw their head backwards thinking the pill will go down easier. This is completely wrong as this method opens up the windpipe and makes it easier to choke on a pill. The correct way to swallow a pill is to hold the head in a normal position, with the chin facing down. After all, no one eats food with their head thrown back.
Suggestions for Taking Pills
Eating a cracker or a piece of bread before swallowing can lessen anxiety about taking pills. Similarly, drinking some water before swallowing a pill can make it easier. It has also been suggested that drinking water with a straw while taking a pill might push it down easier.
Managing to swallow a pill without problems can be as simple as just taking a deep breath and relaxing before taking the pill; in other words, trying not to think about it too much. Pills can also be crushed to make it easier. However, a doctor or pharmacist must be contacted first; some pills cannot be crushed, split or chewed. Also, some pills are manufactured in a variety of sizes. Smaller pills might lessen the anxiety about taking pills. In addition, many medications now come in liquid form for those who have trouble swallowing pills if none of these suggestions work.
Sources:
Merck.com Dysphagia (accessed June 5/2010)
MayoClinic.com Difficulty swallowing: causes (accessed June 5/2010)
Susan Keeping - Susan has been writing online for over 10 years and is currently developing a website for women.
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