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There are a variety of reasons why swallowing medications can be difficult for older adults. Some seniors have medical problems that make it difficult for them to swallow pills, while others face psychological barriers that prevent them from taking them completely. Nonetheless, there are techniques that can make the process less painful and more effective.
What factors contribute to swallowing difficulties among seniors?
Dysphagia is the clinical term for experiencing difficulties swallowing medications due to some physical condition, such as having a small mouth or throat. This is a problem for patients suffering from a variety of illnesses, including:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- A cleft in the palate
- Cancers of the head and neck, as well as cancers of the esophagus
Some seniors have trouble swallowing medicines due to underlying mental health disorders. According to a study conducted in 2021, people who have previously choked on pills or had a serious negative reaction to the taste or texture of them were more likely to struggle to swallow pills in the future. A single unpleasant occurrence was enough to set off a long-term problem.
When chewing tablets is not a good idea
It is entirely acceptable to chew or break certain drugs. However, It has the potential to reduce medication effectiveness and may potentially lead to hazardous adverse effects, such as an overdose.
Coating of enteric
Some medications are coated with an enteric coating. An enteric coating keeps the medication in place until it reaches the small intestine, where it is later released. If not consumed completely, medications with an enteric coating have the potential to:
- Induce stomach discomfort.
- Loose efficacy in stomach acid.
- Affect taste buds.
- Mark the tongue.
- Damage tooth enamel.
Anything that has the word “release” in it
Some pharmaceuticals have been developed to be:
- Sustained-release
- Extended-release
- Timed-release
- Controlled-release
- Continuous-release
For these medications to be absorbed into your bloodstream, they must have a precise physical structure. When you chew, smash, or cut tablets, the medication is administered at once, increasing the danger of an overdose. This can have devastating consequences, some of which may be fatal.
How to take medicine properly
When people say something is “a tough pill to swallow,” it isn’t just a metaphor. Taking medications can be difficult and sometimes unpleasant. One out of every three people chokes, gags, or vomits when swallowing medicine. As a result, some patients may be less inclined to take their medications as prescribed, causing their condition to worsen.
Here are some alternate techniques for breaking habits including pill chewing, clenching your jaw, and tightening your throat:
- Take a few deep, slow breaths to relax the muscles in your neck and throat.
- Keep an ice cube or Popsicle in your mouth for a few minutes to numb your throat and stop the urge to gag.
- Get a drink of water before putting any medicine on your tongue.
- Put the pill directly on your tongue. When asked where on the tongue they should focus, some experts say the tip and others say the middle. Try both options out and see which one works best for you.
Swallowing a pill is psychological as well. Do not put on unnecessary stress by telling yourself, “I’m taking a “pill,” since this may cause your throat to tighten. Consider the word “food” instead.
The pop-bottle approach
The pop-bottle approach is recommended for the following activities when ingesting tablets:
- Fill up a plastic bottle with water.
- Place the tablet on your tongue, and then shut your lips firmly around the opening of the bottle.
- Take a sip of water while maintaining lip contact with the bottle and sucking your way through the process of swallowing the tablet along with the water. Avoid letting air into the bottle at all costs.
In one study, over 140 people who had trouble swallowing pills were asked to close their eyes when given a large pill to swallow. When compared to the old method of simply drinking water from a cup, closing the eyes resulted in a 60% improvement in swallowing ability.
Lean-forward technique
This approach has improved swallowing ability by 89% and is a best practice when swallowing capsules:
- Put the capsule’s contents under your tongue.
- Take a quick sip of water, but don’t swallow right away.
- Raise your chin so that it points toward your chest. Bend your head forward and swallow
Use products to make swallowing medicine easier
Several products on the market claim to make it easier to take pills, and most of them only cost a few dollars:
- Cups and straws to avoid direct contact with pill.
- Sprays that numb the throat.
- Coatings for pills that give off pleasant taste.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist which products are best suited to your needs when swallowing your prescribed medications
Want to learn more?
Reach us at wecare@considracare.com, or call us at 1-855-410-7971, and we will be happy to assist. Discover more tips in our information booklets or on our resources page.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.
