Ethan Clarke
Many people experience difficulty swallowing pills, capsules, and other oral medication. This is known as pill dysphagia. If you are one of these people, there are several strategies that can help you swallow a plastic capsule more easily. Firstly, it is important to note that capsules are intended to be swallowed whole, and you should consult a doctor before opening a capsule pill. One technique that has been found to assist in swallowing capsules is the lean-forward technique, where the capsule is allowed to float to the back of the mouth and into a position that is easier to swallow from.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty swallowing capsules | Very common |
| Plastic capsules | Capsule shells are not made of plastic, but of biodegradable material extracted from animals and plants |
| Gelatin capsules | Gelatin capsules are plasticized by the addition of glycerin and other elements to create a softshell |
| Lean-forward technique | Technique that involves leaning forward when swallowing to allow the capsule to float to the back of the mouth and into a good position to be swallowed easily |
| Texture | Easier to swallow pills with a certain texture |
| Powdering pills | Pills can be ground into a powder and added to applesauce or pudding to make them easier to swallow |
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What You'll Learn
- Lean forward when swallowing to guide the capsule to the back of your mouth
- Swallow with food—mix the capsule with applesauce or pudding
- Consult a doctor if you experience swallowing difficulties
- Capsules are not made of plastic, they are made of biodegradable material
- Do not open a capsule unless advised to do so by a medical professional?
Lean forward when swallowing to guide the capsule to the back of your mouth
If you're having trouble swallowing a plastic capsule, you might want to try the "lean-forward" method. This technique is particularly useful for swallowing capsules, as they are lighter than water and tend to float due to the air trapped inside their gelatine shell.
Here's how it works: when you tilt your head forward, the capsule will naturally move toward the back of your mouth and your throat, making it easier to swallow. This is in contrast to the usual method of swallowing oral solid dose forms, where you place the capsule on your tongue, fill your mouth with water, tilt your head back, and swallow. However, this conventional method can actually make it harder to swallow capsules because they float toward the front of your mouth, which is not the ideal position for swallowing.
The "lean-forward" method may feel awkward or unnatural at first because swallowing is typically associated with tilting the head backward. But with practice, it can become easier, and it may be a viable option for those who struggle to swallow capsules. In fact, in a New Zealand study, more volunteers found it easier to swallow a capsule with their head leaning forward than with their head tilted back.
So, if you're having trouble swallowing a plastic capsule, give the "lean-forward" method a try. Simply place the capsule in your mouth, tilt your head forward, and let the capsule float toward the back of your mouth, guiding it toward your throat for an easier swallow.
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Swallow with food—mix the capsule with applesauce or pudding
If you're struggling to swallow a pill, you're not alone. Many people find success by burying the pill in soft foods such as applesauce or pudding. This method can trick your brain into swallowing the pill, and it's a common technique used in hospitals for patients who have difficulty swallowing.
To do this, place the pill in the middle of a spoonful of applesauce or pudding. Make sure to push the pill into the food. Then, swallow the spoonful of food with the pill inside. You can wash this down with water if you like, but make sure to drink water before and after this method, as the food can be thick and slow-going.
If you're still finding it difficult to swallow the pill, you could try grinding the pill into a powder and mixing it into the applesauce or pudding. However, be aware that not all medications should be taken with food as they can lose their effectiveness, so always check before taking.
The lean-forward technique can also be used in conjunction with this method. After placing the spoonful of food and pill in your mouth, take a sip of water but don't swallow. Tilt your head down with your chin towards your chest. Then, swallow the food, pill, and water while your head is bent forward.
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Consult a doctor if you experience swallowing difficulties
If you are experiencing swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, it is important to consult a doctor. Dysphagia can be a symptom of many different medical conditions, including nervous system and brain disorders, muscle disorders, and physical blockages in the throat. It can also be caused by issues with the nerves or muscles involved in the swallowing process.
When you swallow, your airway closes, and you temporarily stop breathing. Problems with the coordination of the nerves and muscles involved can lead to choking or getting food or liquid into your lungs, which can cause pneumonia. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and address any swallowing difficulties.
To diagnose a swallowing disorder, your doctor will typically start by performing a thorough physical examination and taking your medical history. They may also recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Esophagram (barium swallow test): You drink a barium solution that shows your throat and esophagus on X-rays. X-rays are taken as you swallow to observe how your esophagus functions.
- Esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) or upper endoscopy: A gastroenterologist uses a scope to take images of your throat, esophagus, and stomach to check for narrowing, tumors, or conditions like Barrett's esophagus.
- Laryngoscopy: An otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) places a small scope in your nose to examine your throat and voice box for any irregularities.
- Modified barium swallow: A speech-language pathologist gives you barium-coated food and liquid to swallow while a radiologist takes X-rays to observe how your mouth, throat, and esophagus function during swallowing.
- Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES test): A flexible scope is inserted through the nose to observe how you swallow.
- Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS): Similar to an esophagram, this test uses X-rays or videos to record how your organs and muscles work together during swallowing.
- Pharyngoscopy: A thin tube with a camera (endoscope) is used to examine the throat for structural, nerve, muscle, or other issues.
- Upper endoscopy: An endoscope is used to examine the esophagus for inflammation, narrowing, or other problems.
Treatment for swallowing issues may include medications, changes to your eating habits, and sometimes, procedures. It is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause of your swallowing difficulties and receive appropriate treatment.
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Capsules are not made of plastic, they are made of biodegradable material
To make swallowing capsules easier, you can try a few different techniques. Firstly, it is important to practice swallowing and to start with small, easy-to-swallow items such as candies or cake sprinkles, gradually increasing the size as you improve. You can also try swallowing with your head in different positions to find the one that suits you best. For example, some people find it helpful to bend their head slightly forward towards their chest when swallowing.
Another technique is to use a pop bottle or a plastic water bottle. Fill the bottle with water, put the capsule on your tongue, and close your lips tightly around the bottle opening. Take a sip of water and swallow the capsule and water with your head bent forward. Alternatively, you can try burying the capsule in soft food such as applesauce, pudding, or ice cream. However, it is important to note that not all capsules are designed to be crushed or opened, as this can alter the effectiveness of the medication. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before altering your medication in any way.
If you continue to have difficulty swallowing capsules, you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist, as there may be other options available, such as liquid or dissolvable tablet alternatives.
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Do not open a capsule unless advised to do so by a medical professional
Additionally, when a gastro-resistant layer is destroyed by tampering with the capsule, underdosing is likely to occur. The active ingredient may degrade on contact with light, moisture, or the food with which it is mixed for administration. This can impact the effectiveness of the medication. Furthermore, the person opening the capsule may be exposed to drug particles, which may be carcinogenic, teratogenic, or fetotoxic.
It is always recommended to consult a medical professional if you are facing difficulty in swallowing pills. A speech-language pathologist can provide a swallowing evaluation and suggest interventions if warranted. There are also several products available that may improve your ability to swallow pills. These include pill splitters, which allow you to cut a pill into smaller pieces and swallow them one by one.
However, it is important to ask your pharmacist if it is okay to cut or grind a particular medication. Some medications, such as timed-release or enteric-coated pills, should not be broken apart. Your pharmacist may also be able to advise you on alternative dosage forms, such as powders, creams, or liquids, that can be easier to administer.
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Frequently asked questions
Capsule shells are made from biodegradable material extracted from animals and plants, not plastic. They are safe to swallow. If you are having trouble swallowing capsules, try the 'lean-forward' technique, which involves leaning forward as you swallow to help the capsule float to the back of your mouth.
You can ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternative forms of the medicine, such as a liquid or tablet.
It is not advisable to open a capsule pill unless advised to do so by a doctor or medical professional.
You can try placing the capsule in applesauce or pudding.
You can start by talking to your primary care physician, who may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or a speech-language pathologist for a swallowing assessment.
