If you experience “dysphagia” (difficulty swallowing) as a result of a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease, or simply have a fear of choking, there is an easy remedy. If the medication is a chalky tablet, the trick is to place the tablet on your tongue and tightly wrap your lips around the opening of a bottle. Then, swallow the tablet in one swift suction movement. Because tablets nearly always have a higher density than water, it is necessary to focus on flushing the medicines into the pharynx. Capsules have a lower density than water and tend to swim in the mouth. Thus, head position matters. Simply swallow capsules in an upright position with the head bent forward.

Swallowing is a complex process. Some 50 pairs of muscles and many nerves work to receive food into the mouth, prepare it, and move it from the mouth to the stomach. We strongly suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs and symptoms that worry you.

At SCOTT DRUGS, we are dedicated to helping you understand how to deal with this issue. We’re located at701 Park Ave., Plainfield. Questions? Call 908-754-1600.

HINT: When researchers tested the swallowing techniques mentioned above, participants reported that the “bottle” technique improved swallowing by 60%; 88% of those who tried the “head forward” method said it was easier.