Introduction
Swallowing a pill, especially for an elderly individual, can be pretty tricky. Most of them tend to suffer from dysphagia and dry mouth, which, in turn, makes the job even more problematic.
In some cases, various psychological issues, such as the fear of choking, can also make the whole situation even more challenging.
So, what’s the solution?
Well, there are some ways that can ease the process of swallowing a pill much easier. Here’s what you need to know in this aspect.
Easing The Process Of Swallowing Pills – A Guide
Yes, using a medication like Gloup swallowing gel can definitely help your cause. It will take care of your dry throat issues and help the medication slide down quickly.
Sounds like a convenient option, right?
We know it does. However, we don’t want you to leave with only a single solution. Hence, in this section, we have shared some other tips to make the job of swallowing pills easier.
Keep reading till the end to know more about it.
Tip – 1: The Pop-Bottle Method
Although being a little quirky, the pop-bottle method can be pretty efficient when it comes to swallowing pills. Here’s what you need to do in this aspect.
- Take a flexible plastic bottle that can be squeezed and fill the same with water. Now, put the tablet upon your tongue and shut your lips tightly around the bottle’s mouth.
- After that, start drinking the water by pursing your lips while sucking in the water. When you are doing it, make sure not to allow the external air to get in.
- Swallow the pill alongside the water immediately to ensure that it goes in with the flow of the liquid.
Why Does It Work: Sucking on the water bottle will engage your mouth’s swallowing reflex and help you overcome the gag reflex while the pill passes down.
Tip – 2: Lean Forward
That’s right – making a change to your posture and leaning forward can be pretty beneficial when you are trying to swallow something. The steps of the trick go something like this –
- Put your chin up and pull your shoulders back while placing the pill within your mouth. Now, take a small sip of water.
- After that, try to tilt your head forward quickly but carefully while swallowing the pill. Don’t do it too forcefully, though.
Why Does It Work: The idea of this trick is to provide you with something else to think about when you’re taking the pill. It’s ideal for people who fear the notion of swallowing.
Tip – 3: Put The Medicine Into Something Soft
If you want to trick your brain a little, then you can also try putting the pill into something soft you’re used to swallowing. While working on it, most people tend to opt for applesauce. However, pudding or something similar to that works as well.
Nonetheless, keep in mind – not all pills can be taken with food, let alone something soft or sweet. It may lose its overall effectiveness and end up doing nothing in your favor. Hence, before you try out this trick, make sure to talk with your doctor first.
Tip – 4: Opt For A Straw
Straw is generally used to swallow a pill by washing it down. Let us tell you how.
When you are sucking up a medicine through a straw, the reflex movement of your mouth becomes pretty strong. Hence, if you give it a considerable pull, it will be easier for the pill to go down quickly. Your lips will distract you while getting the medicine down.
Besides, you can also try using a specialized mask to get some more help in taking your medications or pills.
Tip – 5: Use A Spray-On
A spray-on product works almost like a swallowing gel. However, as the name suggests, it comes with a spray-on technology, which, in turn, makes it easier for you to use it.
Most people generally buy a spray-on for their kids. Nonetheless, it can be used by an aging individual as well.
Conclusion
Finding it difficult to swallow a pill, in essence, is a pretty common issue. Many times, it can also result in the fear or anxiety of choking or something similar.
Hence, if you need any assistance in this regard, make sure to follow our tips as closely as possible. Hopefully, it will all work out well in the end for you.
