jeudi 6 novembre 2014

Try A Pill Straw To Help The Medicine Go Down

By Christa Jarvis


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.

However, those who have no trouble eating or drinking may still find it almost impossible to take a tablet. Some people have a heightened gag reflex and expel pills, while others find that pills stick half-way down. Anxiety over the process makes things worse.

Most medicines, health supplements, and over-the-counter preparations come in pill form. However, there are liquid formulas, chewable tablets, and topical applications to rub on the skin. Manufacturers use softgels or make 'tiny pills' designed to go down more easily. However, people don't like taking more pills than absolutely necessary, and some have trouble even with easier-to-swallow ones. Studies reveal that people may skip or delay taking even important medications.

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.

In cases like this, using special straws offers a better solution. Drawing liquid up through a tube is a more effective way to swallow foreign objects than drinking from a glass. The swallowing reflex is stimulated by pursing the lips and sucking. Pills are placed into the straws, rather than placing them on the tongue, which can cause gagging.

The special straws have a narrow end, so the tablets won't fall out. They come in two sizes, for both small and large tablets. The tablet is dropped into the larger end and the straw used to draw liquid up in the normal manner. A strong suction draws enough liquid to wash the tablet down completely. The head can stay to stay in a normal, level position, which helps keep the throat open.

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:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire