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.
However, those who have no trouble eating or drinking may still find it almost impossible to take a tablet. Some people have a heightened gag reflex and expel pills, while others find that pills stick half-way down. Anxiety over the process makes things worse.
There are many prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements that come in liquid or chewable form. Some can even be rubbed on the skin or mixed with food. Manufacturers have also turned to softgels or 'tiny' pills in an effort to please consumers. People with a serious problem still hate the whole idea of taking tablets or capsules. Studies show that they may delay taking pills or skip them altogether, even when they know they should take them regularly.
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.
There are sizes for small and larger tablets. Simply place the tablet in a dry straw (so the tablet won't begin to dissolve) of the right size and use the device to draw both liquid and tablet into the mouth. The process takes on enough liquid to get the tablet down completely, and the action of sucking keeps the throat open. The head is kept level, which is better for swallowing then tilting it back.
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.
However, those who have no trouble eating or drinking may still find it almost impossible to take a tablet. Some people have a heightened gag reflex and expel pills, while others find that pills stick half-way down. Anxiety over the process makes things worse.
There are many prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements that come in liquid or chewable form. Some can even be rubbed on the skin or mixed with food. Manufacturers have also turned to softgels or 'tiny' pills in an effort to please consumers. People with a serious problem still hate the whole idea of taking tablets or capsules. Studies show that they may delay taking pills or skip them altogether, even when they know they should take them regularly.
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.
There are sizes for small and larger tablets. Simply place the tablet in a dry straw (so the tablet won't begin to dissolve) of the right size and use the device to draw both liquid and tablet into the mouth. The process takes on enough liquid to get the tablet down completely, and the action of sucking keeps the throat open. The head is kept level, which is better for swallowing then tilting it back.
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.
About the Author:
Discover the benefits of using the pill straw by visiting our official website right now. To access important product instructions and our FAQs, click the links at http://www.healthywaymedical.net today.
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