Gulp!
Many Americans have trouble taking pills — some have a fear of choking while others suffer from dry mouth or a hypersensitive gag reflex.
The Condition
The throat condition, estimated to affect 10% to 15% of the population, causes people to gag easily when eating, swallowing pills, undergoing dental procedures or just laying eyes on certain triggering objects.
Special Technique for Hypersensitive Gag Reflex
Mount Sinai speech and language pathologist Leanne Goldberg has a special trick for those with a hypersensitive gag reflex.
- Inhale deeply and, while holding the breath, place the pill in the middle of your tongue.
- Take a sip of a beverage and swallow firmly.
Other Approaches
German researchers identified two ways to make swallowing pills easier:
Pop-bottle Method
- Fill a soda bottle with water.
- Put the pill on your tongue and close your lips tightly around the bottle opening.
- Take a swig from the bottle, making sure to maintain contact between the bottle and your lips through a sucking motion.
- Swallow the water and pill without letting air into the bottle.
Lean-forward Technique
- Put the pill on your tongue.
- Take a medium sip of water but don’t swallow.
- Tilt your chin slightly toward your chest.
- Swallow the pill and water while your head is bent forward.
Why It’s Important
Learning how to swallow pills is an important life skill that should be taught at a young age. According to a recent study in the BMJ, pills are safer, cheaper, and more environmentally sustainable than liquid preparations.
Conclusion
If you have trouble taking pills, check with your doctor to see if the medication is available in liquid form or if it can be crushed and mixed with applesauce or yogurt to make it go down easier. Try one of the special techniques mentioned above, or talk to a speech and language pathologist for personalized guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to take pills?
A: There are several methods, including the special technique recommended by Leanne Goldberg and the pop-bottle and lean-forward techniques.
Q: Why is it important to learn how to swallow pills?
A: Swallowing pills is an important life skill that can be beneficial for overall health and wellness.
Q: Can I take my pill with a full glass of water?
A: No, it’s best to take the pill with a small amount of water to avoid choking or gagging.
