Swallowing pills (capsules and tablets) can be a nightmare for some people.
I have always faced difficulty when it comes to swallowing pills. It felt like I might choke, or as if I had forgotten how to swallow, or I would worry about whether the pill would get stuck in my throat. Some people spit the pill out or even vomit. I have taken half an hour to swallow a pill, drinking so many glasses of water.
Some people might alter the medication either by cutting it into pieces or crushing it to make it easier to swallow. However, this is not something advised to do without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
I wondered why some people find swallowing a pill difficult.
One study suggests that the size and surface texture of the pills may contribute to difficulty in swallowing. The posture in which a pill is taken may influence how easily a pill is swallowed. Also, people who have had any previous experience of a pill getting stuck in the throat may also develop a fear or anxiety about swallowing pills.
One study suggests that factors like a small oral cavity or increased sensitivity to taste and texture may also be associated with difficulty in swallowing pills.
While some people eventually start getting comfortable swallowing pills with practice, some might completely avoid the medication due to the fear of swallowing a pill.
Even healthy adults without any swallowing disorders may face difficulty in swallowing pills.
Although we discuss the risks of pills being cut or crushed for swallowing, the difficulty of swallowing pills has not received much attention.
Why do some people have difficulty swallowing pills? Have you experienced this, or do you have any tips that might help?
MBH/PS