ARTICLES / General /
Tips for Swallowing Pills /
Other ArticlesBy Janie Rosman
Consider the importance of the pill that is
causing difficulty. “Often, when I talk to
patients, the problem is large vitamins, and so
we have a discussion about the benefit of the
vitamin versus the risk of choking on it,” Pryor
says. “One can sometimes take two smaller mg
pills of the same dosage instead of one large
pill — for example, 500 mg of calcium (a large
pill).” Many vitamins come in liquid and
chewable forms. Alternatively, some pills with
indentations can be halved half using a
pill-cutter.
Pay attention to the underlying reason for
difficulty in swallowing pills, dense solids, bread
or other foods, or liquids — coughing, choking or
sticking in the throat or chest area, “Let
your physician know, and pursue a medical work up
for the problem,” Pryor says. “Some of these
problems can signal a condition that needs to be
treated, such as strictures and webs or diverticulae
(pouches) that can develop in the throat or
pharynx.”
Use a non-prescription, flavored spray, available
over-the-counter, to ease discomfort. Sprayed on a
pill, it creates a water-based barrier between it
and the tongue/throat, preventing friction and the
“stuck in the throat” sensation. It also prevents
taste buds from coming into contact with bad-tasting
pills.
PillSwallowing.com is an educational Web site
developed by North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health
System — the nation’s third-largest, non-profit,
secular healthcare system, and its 16th largest
integrated healthcare network — that offers material
for health professionals, health practitioners and
consumers, including adults and parents those who
have difficulty swallowing pills.
While chewable pills, liquid formulations or
beaded capsules (“sprinkled” on soft-consistency
foods like applesauce) minimize the need for
pill-form medication, some conditions require
swallowing pills.
Each person can check to make sure his or her
swallowing reflex is automatic and comfortable by
swallowing an average-sized mouthful of water. If
none spills, and there is no coughing, gagging, or
vomiting, then try the following methods.
Practice taking pills by starting with
small “faux” pills like cake decorations — round
candy balls in white so they look like medicine —
and move to larger-sized decorations.
Printable Version
