Struck Throat by Pill: Immediate Steps to Follow
In the event that a pill becomes stuck in one's throat, it can be an irritating and potentially dangerous situation. However, there are several steps one can take to prevent this from happening, and even methods to dislodge a pill if it does get stuck.
Firstly, prevention is key. To avoid pills from getting lodged in the throat, it's recommended to take them without any prior context, such as eating or drinking. If necessary, crushing the pill can make it easier to swallow. Additionally, staying relaxed while taking the pill can help it pass smoothly.
Tilting the head forward while swallowing a pill may also help relax the throat muscles and prevent the pill from getting stuck. For those who find swallowing pills difficult, alternatives such as liquid medication may be offered by healthcare professionals.
Another method to facilitate swallowing pills is to chew up a bite of food thoroughly and then add the pill to the mouth before swallowing the entire mouthful. This can help the pill pass more easily.
In cases where a pill does become stuck, the Heimlich maneuver can be a simple and effective way to remove the obstruction. To perform the Heimlich maneuver on oneself, stand with a broad base stance to keep balance. Locate your navel (belly button), make a fist with one hand, and place it just above your navel but below the ribcage. Grasp your fist with your other hand, and perform quick inward and upward abdominal thrusts, repeating this motion to try to forcefully expel the obstruction from your airway.
When helping someone who is choking and cannot breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts on them. To do this, stand behind the person, wrap arms around their waist, lean them forward slightly, make a fist with one hand, place it about the choking person's belly button, and quickly squeeze hands in and upward.
For those who find the Heimlich maneuver too forceful, a combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts can also be used to dislodge a pill.
Drinking water before, during, and after taking pills can help prevent them from getting stuck. It's recommended to drink 4 to 8 ounces of water while taking a pill, as this can reduce the risk of the pill catching in the throat. Swallowing pills with a big gulp of water may also help prevent them from getting stuck.
Sitting up or standing while taking a pill and remaining upright for 10 minutes afterward can also help prevent the pill from getting stuck. Some pills may work just as well if the person grinds them into a powder or empties the capsule.
Taking smooth foods such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, smoothies can also help swallow the pill more easily.
It's important to note that food is more likely to cause death from choking than pills. If a person is unconscious, call emergency medical services and do not put a finger into their throat.
Lastly, always talk with a doctor or pharmacist before crushing or emptying pills, as some medications may not be safe to do so.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Self-Heimlich maneuver: How to perform it safely. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid-and-safety/choking/expert-answers/self-heimlich-maneuver/faq-20058012 [2] American Heart Association. (2021). Choking. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/lifebeyondtheheartattack/choking
- In health-and-wellness, it's crucial to avoid eating or drinking before swallowing pills to prevent them from getting stuck in the throat.
- If crushing the pill can make it easier to swallow, consider doing so as a preventative measure, especially for those who struggle with pill swallowing.
- For those with difficulty swallowing pills, liquid medication may be a recommended therapies-and-treatments by healthcare professionals.
- In situations where a pill becomes stuck, the Heimlich maneuver can be an effective method for removing the obstruction.
- For personal safety, it's important to know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on oneself or others who are choking.
- Alternatively, a combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts can be used as a less forceful method to dislodge a pill if the Heimlich maneuver is not preferred.
- Drinking water before, during, and after taking pills can help reduce the risk of the pill catching in the throat and help maintain proper nutrition.
- To further ease pill swallowing, taking smooth foods alongside the pill or even grinding certain pills into a powder may be beneficial, but always consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
