A sensation that a pill has lodged in the throat occurs when a tablet or capsule gets stuck in the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach, rather than the windpipe. The goal is to safely dislodge the medication and prevent potential damage to the esophageal lining.
Immediate Home Remedies for Dislodging the Pill
The most direct approach to dislodging a stuck pill is the “sip and swallow” method, which uses liquid to create a downward force and lubrication. Take several large gulps of water, aiming for a forceful swallow rather than small sips. The mechanical action of the water can help push the tablet past the cricopharyngeus muscle, the ring-like muscle at the top of the esophagus where pills often catch.
Consuming soft, cohesive foods can help encapsulate the pill and carry it down the digestive tract. Try swallowing a spoonful of applesauce, yogurt, mashed banana, or buttered bread. The dense texture of these foods can gently sweep the pill into the stomach.
Postural changes can employ gravity to aid the pill’s movement. Raise both arms straight above the head while taking a drink of water to help relax and open the throat muscles. Alternatively, perform a strong cough, which may generate enough pressure to move the obstruction. Remaining calm is important, as anxiety can cause throat muscles to tighten.
Safety Warnings and Actions to Avoid
Once you sense a pill is stuck, it is important to avoid a few common, yet harmful, reactions. Do not repeatedly dry swallow or attempt to force vomiting, as this can cause muscle strain and will not effectively move a pill lodged in the esophagus. If the pill has not moved after a few minutes of trying the immediate remedies, waiting for it to dissolve is also dangerous.
Allowing a pill to dissolve in the esophagus can lead to pill-induced esophagitis. Medications like certain antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can be highly acidic or alkaline. When these pills break down against the delicate esophageal lining, they can cause inflammation, ulceration, and a burning sensation.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
While most stuck pills resolve quickly, certain symptoms indicate a serious medical situation requiring immediate professional help. Call emergency services if you experience difficulty breathing, a total inability to swallow your own saliva, or a complete blockage of the airway. These symptoms suggest the pill may be in the trachea (windpipe) rather than the esophagus, which is a life-threatening choking hazard.
Seek medical attention if you feel severe, persistent chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or radiates to the back. This pain, often worse when swallowing, can signal esophageal damage or an ulcer from a dissolving pill. If the feeling of the pill being stuck, or the associated pain, persists for more than a few hours after using home remedies, a doctor should examine the esophagus.
Preventing Pills from Getting Stuck in the Future
Adopting improved swallowing techniques can significantly reduce the chance of a pill lodging in the esophagus. For tablets, try the “pop bottle” method, which involves placing the tablet on your tongue and sealing your lips tightly around a water bottle opening. Sucking the water and the pill in a swift motion uses suction to propel the tablet down quickly.
For capsules, the “lean forward” technique is often more effective because capsules float. Place the capsule on your tongue, take a medium sip of water, and then tilt your chin toward your chest before swallowing. This position helps the buoyant capsule float toward the back of the throat for an easier passage.
Always ensure you are well-hydrated and use a full glass of water to wash down the pill. Remaining upright for at least 30 minutes after swallowing is recommended to allow gravity to fully clear the esophagus. If swallowing remains difficult, ask a pharmacist if your medication can be safely crushed or split, as many slow-release pills must not be altered.