Swallowing Pills Is a Major Problem for Some People

Swallowing pills is difficult for more people than you might think. I saw a survey that suggested 40% of people have trouble swallowing pills. Some become pill-chewers – and for more than one reason, that is not the way to go.

I am what might be called a closet pill-chewer. I've taken arthritis medications on a regular basis since I was 19 years old and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I'm sure there were a few childhood incidences when I needed an antibiotic, but it was as a young adult with arthritis when I realized that swallowing pills was a problem for me.

I'm so subtle when I'm out to dinner with family or friends, as I discreetly slip my pills one at a time in my mouth and chew with no more action than that required of gum chewing. Let's set the record straight, I'm not quite as subtle as I think I am. There always seems to be someone in a loud voice, ready to blow my cover. You're not chewing your pills are you? Ewww!

I didn't give this a lot of thought over the years. I resigned myself to taking my pills my way. I confess it's a tad annoying when I see others take pills in a single gulp -- flaunting their ability to chug a handful without flinching. Flaunting is too dramatic -- but my point is, they can do it and I can't -- not effortlessly, at least.

I remember seeing an article about how pet owners struggle to give medications to their beloved animals. The recommendation was to give their medications with peanut butter. With my 18-year-old dachshund, Haley (now deceased), I would wrap her pills in bits of American cheese. Worked every time. If all you have to do is more or less dupe a dog -- why am I still having trouble swallowing pills?

There are real reasons why pill-chewing is a bad idea. So until I conquer my bad habit -- this is written as do as I say, not as I do. First and foremost, some medications are enteric-coated. An enteric coating prevents the medication from being released until it reaches the small intestine. Enteric-coated medications, if not swallowed whole, can cause stomach irritation or may become inactivated by stomach acid.

There are also medications that are sustained-release, extended-release, timed-release, controlled-release, or continuous-release. Suffice to say -- if you are not swallowing these types of pills whole, you risk disrupting the intended delivery mode of medication into your bloodstream.

Even when the medications are not enteric-coated or controlled-release, pills may affect your taste buds or ruin the enamel on your teeth. There's really nothing good to say about it!

In an attempt to overcome my throat-tightening, jaw-clenching, bad-tasting, pill-chewing habit -- I have looked for solutions. Admittedly, for too many years, I have been perfectly content with my bad habit.

Here is some of the advice I came across. Before taking pills:

• Take several deep breaths to relax neck and throat muscles.
• Hold an ice cube or popsicle in your mouth to numb your throat and calm your gag reflex.
• Take a drink of water before placing pills on your tongue.
• Place the pill on the tip of your tongue. (Others recommend the middle of the tongue. Try both -- see what works for you.)
• Don't psych yourself out by thinking "I'm taking a PILL". Think "FOOD" instead. If you are thinking "PILL", you will feel your throat tightening.

For many people who have problems swallowing pills, it is purely psychological. I always blamed my narrow throat opening as the reason I chew pills. Come to think of it, I made that up.

During my search for the aforementioned tips to help with swallowing pills, I found a product designed to help -- a pill swallowing cup. It claims that "its unique, patented design facilitates the natural swallowing reflex to help you swallow medications or pills without stress or discomfort."

It looks like a toddler's cup but supposedly helps children, adults, or seniors -- anyone who has difficulty in swallowing pills. I haven't tried it. If you have, let me know at arthritis@aboutguide.com.

Whether it's a sip of water, a popsicle appetizer, a special cup, or working on your psyche that will eliminate problems with swallowing pills -- do it. Simply stated, it's harmful to do it any other way.