Millions of people of all ages have trouble swallowing pills, both capsules and tablets. It's estimated that 40% of adults have some degree of difficulty, and all parents know how young children feel about swallowing a pill. For those who can eat and drink normally, there is a new solution for the pill-swallowing phobia - the pill straw.
Relatively few people, usually older, have a medical condition called dysphagia that makes it hard for them to swallow anything, including food and drink. People with this problem should consult a doctor. They may have to take all medications in gel form and eat pureed food.
Those who have no trouble with food or drink may still find it difficult to swallow a tablet or capsule properly. Sometimes the problem is caused by a super-sensitive gag reflex. Anxiety caused by anticipating difficulty makes the reflex worse, making it hard to even put a tablet in the mouth.
Most medicines, health supplements, and over-the-counter preparations come in pill form. However, there are liquid formulas, chewable tablets, and topical applications to rub on the skin. Manufacturers use softgels or make 'tiny pills' designed to go down more easily. However, people don't like taking more pills than absolutely necessary, and some have trouble even with easier-to-swallow ones. Studies reveal that people may skip or delay taking even important medications.
The method of delivery may be important, too. For example, probiotic formulas are often encased in special capsules which do not dissolve in the stomach, where strong acids may interfere with the effectiveness of supplemental beneficial bacteria. Special capsules deliver the product to the large intestine, where colonies of bacteria live and may need to be replenished. Systemic enzymes, which help pain and inflammation, also need to by-pass the stomach acids to be effective.
It has long been known that sipping water through a straw helps some people swallow tablets better. The pursing of the lips activates the swallowing reflex and the sucking action helps pills go down. Pill-straws take advantage of these instincts and go one step further by holding pills. There is no need to place them on the tongue, which may trigger gagging.
The special straws have a narrow end, so the tablets won't fall out. They come in two sizes, for both small and large tablets. The tablet is dropped into the larger end and the straw used to draw liquid up in the normal manner. A strong suction draws enough liquid to wash the tablet down completely. The head can stay to stay in a normal, level position, which helps keep the throat open.
These simple devices are re-usable but made to be disposed of after several uses. They are affordable and come as single straws or in packs with both large and small sizes. Clinical tests and extensive, monitored home use has shown that many people find they have no more trouble taking their pills if they use a pill-straw.
Relatively few people, usually older, have a medical condition called dysphagia that makes it hard for them to swallow anything, including food and drink. People with this problem should consult a doctor. They may have to take all medications in gel form and eat pureed food.
Those who have no trouble with food or drink may still find it difficult to swallow a tablet or capsule properly. Sometimes the problem is caused by a super-sensitive gag reflex. Anxiety caused by anticipating difficulty makes the reflex worse, making it hard to even put a tablet in the mouth.
Most medicines, health supplements, and over-the-counter preparations come in pill form. However, there are liquid formulas, chewable tablets, and topical applications to rub on the skin. Manufacturers use softgels or make 'tiny pills' designed to go down more easily. However, people don't like taking more pills than absolutely necessary, and some have trouble even with easier-to-swallow ones. Studies reveal that people may skip or delay taking even important medications.
The method of delivery may be important, too. For example, probiotic formulas are often encased in special capsules which do not dissolve in the stomach, where strong acids may interfere with the effectiveness of supplemental beneficial bacteria. Special capsules deliver the product to the large intestine, where colonies of bacteria live and may need to be replenished. Systemic enzymes, which help pain and inflammation, also need to by-pass the stomach acids to be effective.
It has long been known that sipping water through a straw helps some people swallow tablets better. The pursing of the lips activates the swallowing reflex and the sucking action helps pills go down. Pill-straws take advantage of these instincts and go one step further by holding pills. There is no need to place them on the tongue, which may trigger gagging.
The special straws have a narrow end, so the tablets won't fall out. They come in two sizes, for both small and large tablets. The tablet is dropped into the larger end and the straw used to draw liquid up in the normal manner. A strong suction draws enough liquid to wash the tablet down completely. The head can stay to stay in a normal, level position, which helps keep the throat open.
These simple devices are re-usable but made to be disposed of after several uses. They are affordable and come as single straws or in packs with both large and small sizes. Clinical tests and extensive, monitored home use has shown that many people find they have no more trouble taking their pills if they use a pill-straw.
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