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.
A relatively small number of people suffer from dysphagia. This condition makes it hard for them to swallow food or liquids, and pills are virtually impossible for them. These individuals usually require medical help and a special diet of thickened liquids and pureed foods. Medications need to be in gel form, since both solids and liquids cause problems.
Many people have no trouble with eating or drinking, but when it comes time to take a vitamin tablet or a capsule of fish oil, their throat seizes up. Some have a super-sensitive gag reflex, and the act of placing pills on the tongue sets it off. As the problem persists, anxiety grows and 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.
The straws are sold as single units or in packages of both large and small sizes to accommodate different sized pills. The straws are disposable but can be used several times if they are cleaned thoroughly and dried completely. Any inside moisture may cause tablets to stick. Clinical tests, as well as extensive home use, have shown that using these specially-designed straws helps most people take tablets and capsules without difficulty.
A relatively small number of people suffer from dysphagia. This condition makes it hard for them to swallow food or liquids, and pills are virtually impossible for them. These individuals usually require medical help and a special diet of thickened liquids and pureed foods. Medications need to be in gel form, since both solids and liquids cause problems.
Many people have no trouble with eating or drinking, but when it comes time to take a vitamin tablet or a capsule of fish oil, their throat seizes up. Some have a super-sensitive gag reflex, and the act of placing pills on the tongue sets it off. As the problem persists, anxiety grows and 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.
The straws are sold as single units or in packages of both large and small sizes to accommodate different sized pills. The straws are disposable but can be used several times if they are cleaned thoroughly and dried completely. Any inside moisture may cause tablets to stick. Clinical tests, as well as extensive home use, have shown that using these specially-designed straws helps most people take tablets and capsules without difficulty.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment