A pill feeling stuck in the throat is a common and often distressing experience. While this sensation is typically not life-threatening, understanding the appropriate steps to take is important. Knowing how to react can alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications.
Immediate Actions to Take
When a pill feels lodged in your throat, remaining calm is crucial. Panic can tighten throat muscles, potentially worsening the situation. Often, the pill is in the esophagus, the tube leading to the stomach, not the airway.
Drinking water is frequently effective. Take a large gulp of water; this can help open the pharynx and encourage the pill to move down. Drinking 4 to 8 ounces of water before and after taking the pill can lubricate the throat and aid passage. If water alone does not work, consuming soft foods like a banana, applesauce, yogurt, or a piece of bread soaked in water can help push the pill down. Avoid forcing the pill down with dry food. Coughing forcefully can also help dislodge the pill.
Recognizing When to Seek Help
While most instances of a pill feeling stuck resolve with simple actions, certain signs indicate a need for immediate medical attention. If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, drooling, or an inability to swallow saliva, these are serious indicators. Persistent sensation of the pill for more than a few minutes after trying initial methods, especially if accompanied by pain, also warrants medical evaluation.
It is important to distinguish between a pill stuck in the esophagus and one that has entered the airway. A pill in the esophagus causes discomfort but typically allows for breathing. If a pill enters the airway (trachea or larynx), it can lead to choking, wheezing, or an inability to breathe or speak—a medical emergency.
If breathing is severely compromised or stopped, immediately call emergency services and perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) or the Red Cross’s five-and-five method (alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts). If alone, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself by pushing your fist into your abdomen against a sturdy surface. If a person becomes unconscious, do not attempt to sweep the object from their airways unless it is visible and easily removable.
Preventing Future Occurrences
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of a pill getting stuck in your throat. Always take pills with plenty of water, typically a full glass (at least 200-250 mL). Remaining upright, either sitting or standing, is important, as gravity assists the pill’s descent. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking pills, particularly before lying down.
Tilting the head slightly forward, the “chin tuck” or “lean forward” method, can help relax throat muscles and facilitate swallowing. For capsules, the “lean-forward” technique involves placing the capsule on your tongue, sipping water, then bending your head forward while swallowing. Moistening your mouth with a few sips of water before placing the pill can also help. If swallowing remains challenging, consider crushing pills, but only if medically appropriate, as some medications, like long-acting or slow-release formulations, lose effectiveness when crushed. If swallowing difficulties persist, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, as it could indicate an underlying condition.