Trouble Swallowing Pills Is Common
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These days, many people are taking medication. If they're not on one or more pharmaceuticals, they probably take supplements like vitamin or mineral tablets or capsules. However, many of them have trouble swallowing pills. In fact, some doctors and researchers say that 40% or more of Americans have this problem.
The internet is a wonderful resource if you are one of the 40%. First of all, it's nice to know you're not alone when you're having difficulties. There's so much advice online that you quickly figure out this is not an uncommon problem. Then, of course, you can take advantage of the ideas you find online. There are testimonials from private individuals and posts from health care professionals with medical credentials.
One tip concerns the position of your head during the process. People may think that throwing the head back will make things easier, but this is apparently the wrong approach. Doing this actually makes your throat narrower. Experts suggest tucking your head into your chest, which relaxes the throat and should help a tablet or capsule go down.
Some have an over-active gag reflex and find that trying to ingest something they haven't chewed will trigger it. They may expel a pill rather than getting it down. Others find that the pill, especially if it's in tablet form, sticks half-way down. Following the tablet with a piece of bread or a mouthful of food may help. Young children and the elderly are prone to these difficulties.
Chewing the pill or capsule is not recommended unless you know that this won't interfere with the action of the substance. Anyway, many things that are good for us taste terrible. One tip found online is to insert the pill in a gummy bear or a fruit snack, which quickly gets slippery when in your mouth. This makes the whole slide down more easily; you can practice first with just the gummy and see how easy it is.
Other tips include using a straw to get a mouthful of liquid or chewing a mouthful of food, popping in the tablet you need to take, and swallowing the whole deal. Sucking on a straw creates suction in your mouth, which makes swallowing easier. A mouthful of already chewed food can take the pill with it and keep it from getting stuck halfway down.
Water is a good medium for washing down medication or supplements, because it doesn't interfere with the operation of the active ingredients. However, if you know that milk, juice, or carbonated beverages won't make the ingredients less effective, these may work better for you. The more pleasant the experience can be, the better. There are those who have problems even getting liquids down and who must use a thickening agent to keep from choking. These individuals may have a condition called dysphagia and need a doctor's care.
Cutting or crushing the tablet can help, but this may not be recommended. The taste may be awful, as well. It's better to practice taking big gulps, trying to hold your head properly, learning to relax, and using food or favorite liquids to make it easier. You can also ask if the medication or supplement is available in liquid or chewable form, or as a sub-lingual or spray.
The internet is a wonderful resource if you are one of the 40%. First of all, it's nice to know you're not alone when you're having difficulties. There's so much advice online that you quickly figure out this is not an uncommon problem. Then, of course, you can take advantage of the ideas you find online. There are testimonials from private individuals and posts from health care professionals with medical credentials.
One tip concerns the position of your head during the process. People may think that throwing the head back will make things easier, but this is apparently the wrong approach. Doing this actually makes your throat narrower. Experts suggest tucking your head into your chest, which relaxes the throat and should help a tablet or capsule go down.
Some have an over-active gag reflex and find that trying to ingest something they haven't chewed will trigger it. They may expel a pill rather than getting it down. Others find that the pill, especially if it's in tablet form, sticks half-way down. Following the tablet with a piece of bread or a mouthful of food may help. Young children and the elderly are prone to these difficulties.
Chewing the pill or capsule is not recommended unless you know that this won't interfere with the action of the substance. Anyway, many things that are good for us taste terrible. One tip found online is to insert the pill in a gummy bear or a fruit snack, which quickly gets slippery when in your mouth. This makes the whole slide down more easily; you can practice first with just the gummy and see how easy it is.
Other tips include using a straw to get a mouthful of liquid or chewing a mouthful of food, popping in the tablet you need to take, and swallowing the whole deal. Sucking on a straw creates suction in your mouth, which makes swallowing easier. A mouthful of already chewed food can take the pill with it and keep it from getting stuck halfway down.
Water is a good medium for washing down medication or supplements, because it doesn't interfere with the operation of the active ingredients. However, if you know that milk, juice, or carbonated beverages won't make the ingredients less effective, these may work better for you. The more pleasant the experience can be, the better. There are those who have problems even getting liquids down and who must use a thickening agent to keep from choking. These individuals may have a condition called dysphagia and need a doctor's care.
Cutting or crushing the tablet can help, but this may not be recommended. The taste may be awful, as well. It's better to practice taking big gulps, trying to hold your head properly, learning to relax, and using food or favorite liquids to make it easier. You can also ask if the medication or supplement is available in liquid or chewable form, or as a sub-lingual or spray.
About the Author:
If you have trouble swallowing pills, consider using a pill straw to make it easier for you. To order right now, visit the related site at http://www.healthywaymedical.net.
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