What To Do When a Pill Gets Stuck in Your Throat: Essential Tips

Having a pill stuck in your throat can be unsettling, but in most cases, it’s not an urgent medical emergency. Drinking plenty of water usually helps the pill slide down smoothly. However, if breathing becomes difficult, immediate medical attention is necessary as the pill might be blocking your airway.

It’s not unusual for pills to occasionally get caught in the throat. Typically, swallowing water helps to clear the obstruction.

In some situations, a pill stuck in the throat can obstruct breathing, which requires urgent care.

Keep reading to understand what actions to take if you or someone else experiences this, and learn safe techniques for swallowing pills.

When Breathing Is Impaired

If a pill blocks someone’s airway causing wheezing or inability to breathe, quick action is critical.

You can use the Red Cross’s five-and-five method or the Heimlich maneuver to try to dislodge the pill.

Always call emergency services (911) before attempting these methods.

The Five-and-Five Method

Follow these steps as recommended by the Red Cross:

1. Stand behind the person and lean them forward at the waist, supporting their chest with one arm.
2. Deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
3. Make a fist and place it just above their navel.
4. Grasp your fist with your other hand.
5. Perform five quick upward abdominal thrusts.
6. Repeat this sequence until the pill is expelled or the person can breathe normally.

Note: This method is not suitable for young children.

The Heimlich Maneuver

To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver):

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Lean them slightly forward.
3. Make a fist and position it just above their navel.
4. Hold your fist with the other hand.
5. Give quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen.
6. Repeat up to five times as needed.

If the person becomes unresponsive, carefully lay them down and try to clear the airway with your finger without pushing the pill deeper. Immediately call 911 and be prepared to start CPR if necessary.

If You Are Alone

If you’re alone and choking on a pill, perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself:

1. Make a fist and place it above your navel.
2. Grab your fist with your other hand.
3. Bend over a firm surface like a chair or table edge.
4. Forcefully push your fist upward into your abdomen to expel the pill.

If the Person Is Coughing

Coughing indicates the airway is partially open. Encourage continued coughing to help clear the pill.

Do not allow pills to dissolve in the throat, as this can irritate and inflame the esophagus.

Esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus lining, can occur from pill irritation or other conditions like acid reflux or infections, making swallowing painful.

To ease discomfort and help the pill move, try:

• Drinking water to flush the pill down the esophagus.
• Lying down to relax throat muscles.

Why Do Pills Get Stuck?

Pills often get stuck due to insufficient moisture, making it hard for them to slide down the throat. This is common with coated pills and gel capsules.

The cricopharyngeus muscle at the top of the esophagus is a common site where pills get lodged.

Other factors increasing the risk include:

• Fear of choking
• Dry mouth
• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) from conditions like stroke

Children and older adults are more prone to swallowing challenges.

Learn more about causes of swallowing difficulties to better manage this issue.

How to Prevent Pills From Getting Stuck

Follow these tips to avoid pill lodging:

• Always take pills with plenty of water before, during, and after swallowing.
• Tip your head slightly forward to allow easier passage.
• Consider taking pills with soft foods like applesauce or yogurt, unless advised otherwise.
• Consult your pharmacist about crushing pills or dissolving them if appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a stuck pill damage your throat?

Certain pills, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and bisphosphonates, can harm the throat lining if they remain stuck too long.

What happens if a pill dissolves in the throat?

A pill dissolving in the throat may cause burning and inflammation, potentially leading to esophagitis.

Summary

While pills occasionally get stuck in the throat, drinking water usually helps dislodge them.

However, if breathing is blocked, act immediately using the five-and-five method or Heimlich maneuver and seek emergency help.

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