People of all ages may experience problems when they need to take a tablet or capsule. Studies show that millions have this problem seriously enough to interfere with their health care. Now there is a solution for those who eat and drink normally, only having trouble when it comes to swallowing pills. Using a pill straw, which works like any other drinking straw but is designed to hold a pill, can make things easier.
There is a medical condition called dysphagia that makes it hard for someone to swallow anything, even regular food and water. This disorder of the throat often develops as people age. A doctor's care is required, and a diet prescribed of only pureed food and thickened liquids. Any medications will have to be adjusted, since tablets and capsules are not acceptable.
However, those who have no trouble eating or drinking may still find it almost impossible to take a tablet. Some people have a heightened gag reflex and expel pills, while others find that pills stick half-way down. Anxiety over the process makes things worse.
There are many prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements that come in liquid or chewable form. Some can even be rubbed on the skin or mixed with food. Manufacturers have also turned to softgels or 'tiny' pills in an effort to please consumers. People with a serious problem still hate the whole idea of taking tablets or capsules. Studies show that they may delay taking pills or skip them altogether, even when they know they should take them regularly.
Some formulas are put into special capsules that will not dissolve in the stomach, because the ingredients are meant to break down in the large intestine. This is true for systemic enzymes, which people take as anti-inflammatory pain killers, and for probiotics. Strong stomach acids can either digest these prematurely or render them ineffective.
Techniques that help people swallow pills include using a straw. Apparently the actions of pursing the lips and sucking trigger reflexes that encourage the throat to open. These specially designed straws go one step further by holding the tablet or capsule. There is no need to place pills on the tongue, which can trigger the gag reflex.
The recommended way to use the special straws is to drop a tablet into the top. The pill should fit easily but not loosely, being kept in the tube by the narrower end. The user then puts the end of the tube into a glass of water or other liquid and sucks strongly to get a full mouthful. Drinking this way keeps the head level, which keeps the throat open and works better than tilting the head back.
The straws are meant to be disposable but can be reused if cleaned thoroughly and allowed to dry. They must be completely dry before use, since any moisture may cause a tablet to dissolve and stick in the tube. They come as singles or in packs of both large and small sized straws.
There is a medical condition called dysphagia that makes it hard for someone to swallow anything, even regular food and water. This disorder of the throat often develops as people age. A doctor's care is required, and a diet prescribed of only pureed food and thickened liquids. Any medications will have to be adjusted, since tablets and capsules are not acceptable.
However, those who have no trouble eating or drinking may still find it almost impossible to take a tablet. Some people have a heightened gag reflex and expel pills, while others find that pills stick half-way down. Anxiety over the process makes things worse.
There are many prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements that come in liquid or chewable form. Some can even be rubbed on the skin or mixed with food. Manufacturers have also turned to softgels or 'tiny' pills in an effort to please consumers. People with a serious problem still hate the whole idea of taking tablets or capsules. Studies show that they may delay taking pills or skip them altogether, even when they know they should take them regularly.
Some formulas are put into special capsules that will not dissolve in the stomach, because the ingredients are meant to break down in the large intestine. This is true for systemic enzymes, which people take as anti-inflammatory pain killers, and for probiotics. Strong stomach acids can either digest these prematurely or render them ineffective.
Techniques that help people swallow pills include using a straw. Apparently the actions of pursing the lips and sucking trigger reflexes that encourage the throat to open. These specially designed straws go one step further by holding the tablet or capsule. There is no need to place pills on the tongue, which can trigger the gag reflex.
The recommended way to use the special straws is to drop a tablet into the top. The pill should fit easily but not loosely, being kept in the tube by the narrower end. The user then puts the end of the tube into a glass of water or other liquid and sucks strongly to get a full mouthful. Drinking this way keeps the head level, which keeps the throat open and works better than tilting the head back.
The straws are meant to be disposable but can be reused if cleaned thoroughly and allowed to dry. They must be completely dry before use, since any moisture may cause a tablet to dissolve and stick in the tube. They come as singles or in packs of both large and small sized straws.
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