Millions have difficulty swallowing pills. Since most pharmaceuticals and supplements come in either a capsule or a tablet, this can be a real problem. An estimated forty percent of adults experience some difficulty with pills, and most children either cannot or will not get them down. Unless the problem is caused by a physical disorder, using a pill straw can be the answer.
A relatively small number of people suffer from dysphagia. This condition makes it hard for them to swallow food or liquids, and pills are virtually impossible for them. These individuals usually require medical help and a special diet of thickened liquids and pureed foods. Medications need to be in gel form, since both solids and liquids cause problems.
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.
Some medications or supplements taste or smell too bad to be palatable in liquid or powder form. Sometimes a pill is the best method of delivery. For example, stomach acids are too strong for probiotics to remain viable long enough to get to the large intestine, where they are needed. The process of digestion also inhibits enzymes designed to work systemically to reduce inflammation and pain. These substances come in specially designed capsules that resist stomach acids and pass undigested in to the large intestine.
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 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.
The straws are sold as single units or in packages of both large and small sizes to accommodate different sized pills. The straws are disposable but can be used several times if they are cleaned thoroughly and dried completely. Any inside moisture may cause tablets to stick. Clinical tests, as well as extensive home use, have shown that using these specially-designed straws helps most people take tablets and capsules without difficulty.
A relatively small number of people suffer from dysphagia. This condition makes it hard for them to swallow food or liquids, and pills are virtually impossible for them. These individuals usually require medical help and a special diet of thickened liquids and pureed foods. Medications need to be in gel form, since both solids and liquids cause problems.
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.
Some medications or supplements taste or smell too bad to be palatable in liquid or powder form. Sometimes a pill is the best method of delivery. For example, stomach acids are too strong for probiotics to remain viable long enough to get to the large intestine, where they are needed. The process of digestion also inhibits enzymes designed to work systemically to reduce inflammation and pain. These substances come in specially designed capsules that resist stomach acids and pass undigested in to the large intestine.
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 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.
The straws are sold as single units or in packages of both large and small sizes to accommodate different sized pills. The straws are disposable but can be used several times if they are cleaned thoroughly and dried completely. Any inside moisture may cause tablets to stick. Clinical tests, as well as extensive home use, have shown that using these specially-designed straws helps most people take tablets and capsules without difficulty.
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