It sounds like a funny topic, but it’s actually an unfortunate problem for many people – one in three, actually. When people struggle to swallow large pills (tablets and capsules), they tend to take less than the prescribed dose, or even avoid taking the medicine altogether. Either situation can result in making their medical conditions worse instead of better.
A researcher in Germany, Dr. Walter Haefeli, thought this was a serious enough problem that it deserved a mini-clinical trial to test out potential solutions. So, he designed a cross-sectional study that included 151 subjects, with and without swallowing difficulties, to evaluate two specific pill swallowing methods: the pop-bottle method and lean-forward technique.
The pop-bottle method is primarily designed for swallowing tablets, and makes use of suction for the swallowing action. In the pop-bottle method, the first step is to place the tablet on your tongue, and then you seal your lips around the opening of a flexible polyethylene terephthalate bottle (think: bottled water or pop/soda). You then use the liquid and suction to swallow the tablet.
The lean-forward technique is primarily designed for swallowing capsules, and makes use of gravity for the swallowing action. In the lean-forward technique, you place the capsule on your tongue, take a medium sip of water, and then swallow with your head leaning forward instead of straight up or leaning back. The theory behind this technique is that the pill weighs less than the water, so it floats its way toward your throat naturally, making it easier to get down.
The results of the study concluded both of these techniques made it easier to swallow pills, although the lean-forward technique was preferred by 90% of the participants.
Thanks to this study, the 33% of the population who struggle with swallowing big pills have newfound hope in these two proven techniques.
To read about the study in detail, click here. Also, the supplemental handout to the right provides detailed instructions for both of these methods. But, before you go home and try these methods, be sure to discuss them with your physician to make sure they’re appropriate for you.
Additional Source: NPR “Shots” Health Blog Post
