It is a common experience for a pill to feel momentarily caught in the throat, causing discomfort and a sense of unease. While often not a serious medical event, the sensation can be quite alarming. Understanding why this happens and how to address it can alleviate anxiety and help ensure medication is taken effectively.
How It Feels and Why It Happens
When a pill becomes lodged, individuals might experience a feeling of obstruction, pressure, or a lump in the throat. This discomfort can range from a mild irritation to a burning sensation or even pain, especially if the pill begins to dissolve in the esophagus. Some people may also feel a persistent sensation that the pill is still present even after it has passed, due to irritation of the esophageal lining.
Pills most frequently get stuck in the cricopharyngeus muscle, a sphincter at the top of the esophagus. A primary reason for this occurrence is insufficient moisture to help the pill slide down smoothly. Factors like the pill’s size, shape, or texture can also contribute to difficulty in swallowing. A dry mouth, reduced saliva production, or certain medical conditions that affect swallowing (dysphagia) can increase the likelihood of a pill getting stuck.
What to Do Right Away
If a pill feels stuck, remaining calm is important, as panic can cause throat muscles to tighten, potentially worsening the sensation. The immediate action is typically to drink plenty of water, as this can help flush the pill down the esophagus. Taking several large gulps of water can be more effective than small sips.
Eating a small amount of soft food, such as a piece of bread or a banana, can also help dislodge the pill by providing a bolus to push it down. Changing your posture, such as tilting your chin towards your chest while swallowing, can sometimes alter the angle of the throat, making it easier for the pill to pass. If coughing occurs, it should be encouraged, as it is the body’s natural reflex to clear an obstruction.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most instances of a pill feeling stuck are not serious, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. If you experience persistent pain, difficulty breathing, choking, wheezing, or excessive drooling, these could indicate a more serious obstruction of the airway. In such cases, emergency measures like the Heimlich maneuver or the five-and-five method may be necessary.
Leaving a pill to dissolve in the throat is not advisable, as it can burn the lining of the esophagus and lead to a condition called pill esophagitis. This inflammation can cause chest pain, painful swallowing (odynophagia), and a feeling of something being stuck in the throat. Although usually temporary, severe cases can result in esophageal ulcers or, rarely, strictures or perforation.
Tips for Easier Swallowing
Preventing pills from getting stuck often involves simple adjustments to your routine. Always take pills with a full glass of water (at least 4 to 8 ounces) to ensure adequate lubrication and help the pill move smoothly. Moistening your mouth with water before placing the pill on your tongue can also be beneficial.
Specific swallowing techniques can also improve ease. The “pop bottle” method, where you place a tablet on your tongue, seal your lips around a water bottle, and suck the water and pill down, has shown to improve swallowing for tablets. For capsules, the “lean forward” method involves placing the capsule on your tongue, taking a sip of water, tilting your chin towards your chest, and then swallowing. If difficulties persist, discussing alternative forms of medication, such as liquids, chewables, or crushable tablets, with a pharmacist or doctor is a practical option, after confirming it does not affect the medication’s effectiveness.
What to Do Right Away
If a pill feels stuck, remaining calm is important, as panic can cause throat muscles to tighten, potentially worsening the sensation. The immediate action is typically to drink plenty of water, as this can help flush the pill down the esophagus. Taking several large gulps of water can be more effective than small sips.
Eating a small amount of soft food, such as a piece of bread or a banana, can also help dislodge the pill by providing a bolus to push it down. Changing your posture, such as tilting your chin towards your chest while swallowing, can sometimes alter the angle of the throat, making it easier for the pill to pass. If coughing occurs, it should be encouraged, as it is the body’s natural reflex to clear an obstruction.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most instances of a pill feeling stuck are not serious, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. If you experience persistent pain, difficulty breathing, choking, wheezing, or excessive drooling, these could indicate a more serious obstruction of the airway. In such cases, emergency measures like the Heimlich maneuver or the five-and-five method may be necessary.
Leaving a pill to dissolve in the throat is not advisable, as it can burn the lining of the esophagus and lead to a condition called pill esophagitis. This inflammation can cause chest pain, painful swallowing (odynophagia), and a feeling of something being stuck in the throat. Although usually temporary, severe cases can result in esophageal ulcers or, rarely, strictures or perforation.
Tips for Easier Swallowing
Preventing pills from getting stuck often involves simple adjustments to your routine. Always take pills with a full glass of water (at least 4 to 8 ounces) to ensure adequate lubrication and help the pill move smoothly. Moistening your mouth with water before placing the pill on your tongue can also be beneficial.
Specific swallowing techniques can also improve ease. The “pop bottle” method, where you place a tablet on your tongue, seal your lips around a water bottle, and suck the water and pill down, has shown to improve swallowing for tablets. For capsules, the “lean forward” method involves placing the capsule on your tongue, taking a sip of water, tilting your chin towards your chest, and then swallowing. If difficulties persist, discussing alternative forms of medication, such as liquids, chewables, or crushable tablets, with a pharmacist or doctor is a practical option, after confirming it does not affect the medication’s effectiveness.