Swallowing pills can be such a daunting task especially if you have to do it on a daily basis. The problems associated with pills are numerous. They range from, fear, the bad taste of some of them to forgetting of dosages. Many doctors will tell you that you will not get well if you do not take your medication as prescribed. There are a number of tips on how to swallow pills if you are faced with these challenges.
The fear of gagging is one of the biggest problems that people have to overcome. Under normal circumstances, the reflex serves a very important function of preventing chocking whenever a foreign body makes its way into the throat. It helps us to cough the object out and maintain an open airway. This reflex is, however, extended to involve medications in some people. Relaxation is required to help overcome it in these cases.
For swallowing to take place, proper positioning is very important. The optimal position involves placing the chin close to the chest as opposed to looking upwards. The idea is to ensure that the esophagus is open and the trachea is closed. This position also suppresses the gag reflex. While in this position, take a deep breath and swallow the pill with a glass of water.
The use of sweeteners is quite widespread because of its simplicity. Peanut butter and honey are some of the most commonly used sweeteners. Put the tablet on a spoon and add a drop or two of honey on it. Swallow both of them with a glass of water. The sweetener that is chosen should not affect the effectiveness of the drug. Peanut butter and honey do not affect this potency.
A number of pills are available with an enteric coating that makes them easy to swallow. The coating also helps to reduce irritation that may occur as they enter the gut. Ensure that you inquire about the availability of this type if you have trouble swallowing the ordinary types. The sweet taste of the pills stimulates salivation which in turn stimulates the swallowing reflex. There may or may not be a need for water.
Candy may help in some cases. Try swallowing candy equivalent to the size of the pill for practice. After several attempts, it becomes possible to swallow almost anything. This happens due to the relaxation of the esophagus cause by successive swallowing processes. The use of other liquids other than water has also been shown to be effective.
Breaking down pills is yet another option that one may consider. A number of them can even be ground into powder. Breaking down drugs in this manner may, however, interfere with the effectiveness. It is important that you go through the instructions on the drug sheet before you arrive at such a decision. Better still, consult with your pharmacist.
When dealing with scheduled medications, it is important to have a reminder in place to avoid skipping dosages. An alarm is the easiest option and also most effective. Taking drugs before or after meals is another strategy that can be used to ensure that one does not forget. Having a buddy to remind you of dosages is yet another option.
The fear of gagging is one of the biggest problems that people have to overcome. Under normal circumstances, the reflex serves a very important function of preventing chocking whenever a foreign body makes its way into the throat. It helps us to cough the object out and maintain an open airway. This reflex is, however, extended to involve medications in some people. Relaxation is required to help overcome it in these cases.
For swallowing to take place, proper positioning is very important. The optimal position involves placing the chin close to the chest as opposed to looking upwards. The idea is to ensure that the esophagus is open and the trachea is closed. This position also suppresses the gag reflex. While in this position, take a deep breath and swallow the pill with a glass of water.
The use of sweeteners is quite widespread because of its simplicity. Peanut butter and honey are some of the most commonly used sweeteners. Put the tablet on a spoon and add a drop or two of honey on it. Swallow both of them with a glass of water. The sweetener that is chosen should not affect the effectiveness of the drug. Peanut butter and honey do not affect this potency.
A number of pills are available with an enteric coating that makes them easy to swallow. The coating also helps to reduce irritation that may occur as they enter the gut. Ensure that you inquire about the availability of this type if you have trouble swallowing the ordinary types. The sweet taste of the pills stimulates salivation which in turn stimulates the swallowing reflex. There may or may not be a need for water.
Candy may help in some cases. Try swallowing candy equivalent to the size of the pill for practice. After several attempts, it becomes possible to swallow almost anything. This happens due to the relaxation of the esophagus cause by successive swallowing processes. The use of other liquids other than water has also been shown to be effective.
Breaking down pills is yet another option that one may consider. A number of them can even be ground into powder. Breaking down drugs in this manner may, however, interfere with the effectiveness. It is important that you go through the instructions on the drug sheet before you arrive at such a decision. Better still, consult with your pharmacist.
When dealing with scheduled medications, it is important to have a reminder in place to avoid skipping dosages. An alarm is the easiest option and also most effective. Taking drugs before or after meals is another strategy that can be used to ensure that one does not forget. Having a buddy to remind you of dosages is yet another option.
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