Having a pill get stuck in your chest can be an alarming and uncomfortable experience. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on what to do if you have a pill lodged in your chest. We will cover the signs and symptoms of a stuck pill, when to seek emergency care, and home remedies to help dislodge the pill. With the right information and care, you can resolve this issue safely and effectively.
What are the signs and symptoms of a pill stuck in your chest?
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms that a pill is stuck in your esophagus or chest:
- A feeling that the pill is stuck in your throat or chest
- Pain or discomfort in your chest or throat area
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Drooling or excessive saliva production
- Gagging or choking sensation
- Unproductive cough or hoarse voice
- Nausea or vomiting
You may also hear or feel the pill when you swallow. The location and intensity of symptoms can vary depending on where exactly the pill is lodged. Any discomfort in the chest area after taking a pill should be evaluated promptly.
When should you seek emergency medical care?
In most cases, a stuck pill will dissolve on its own with time. However, you should seek emergency care right away if you experience:
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Wheezing or other severe breathing problems
- Coughing up blood
- Fever above 101 F (38.3 C)
These can be signs of a more serious medical issue, such as the pill causing an infection, ulceration, or tear in your esophagus. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
You should also get emergency care if your symptoms persist or worsen after trying home remedies for several hours. The pill needs to be removed as soon as possible in these situations.
What are the complications of an untreated stuck pill?
Leaving a lodged pill untreated can lead to complications, including:
- Esophageal ulceration or erosion – This is damage to the tissue lining the esophagus from the pill. It can cause bleeding, scarring, and narrowing of the esophagus.
- Esophageal perforation – A very serious condition where the pill erodes completely through the esophageal wall, creating a hole. This allows food particles and fluids to leak into the chest cavity, leading to infection.
- Abscess – An infected fluid collection around the site of the perforation or erosion.
- Mediastinitis – A life-threatening infection in the chest cavity around the esophagus.
- Airway obstruction – The pill could fully block the trachea (windpipe) making it impossible to breathe.
Any symptoms of these complications warrant an immediate ER visit. Early treatment is vital to prevent dangerous, sometimes fatal complications.
Who is at increased risk of getting a pill stuck in their chest?
Certain individuals have a higher chance of experiencing a lodged pill. Risk factors include:
- Children under age 12
- Adults over age 50
- People taking medications that delay stomach emptying, like anticholinergics
- Individuals with swallowing disorders like dysphagia
- Those with medical conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, acid reflux, or hiatal hernia
- People who do not take pills with enough water or lie down too soon after taking pills
Improper pill swallowing technique also increases your risk. Those at higher risk should take extra precautions when taking oral medications.
How is a stuck pill in the chest diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of a pill stuck in your esophagus or chest, the doctor will begin with a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Be sure to tell them the medication you were taking and what food or drink you ingested with it.
The main diagnostic tests used to confirm a lodged pill include:
- X-rays – Plain X-rays can visualize radiopaque pills stuck in the esophagus. However, not all pills show up on X-rays.
- Barium swallow – You swallow a chalky barium solution which coats the esophagus. This allows clear visualization of the pill on X-ray.
- Endoscopy – A narrow scope with a camera is passed down the throat allowing direct visualization and retrieval of the stuck pill.
Based on the results, the doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
How is a stuck pill removed from the chest?
The specific treatment depends on the pill’s location, your symptoms, and diagnostic test findings. Here are some common treatment options:
- Observation – If the pill is not causing severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend waiting 4-6 hours for it to dissolve or pass on its own.
- Endoscopy – Using a special tool, the doctor retrieves the stuck pill through the mouth.
- Dissolution agents – You may be given an acidic fizzy drink or agents like Coca-Cola or magnesium citrate to help dissolve certain pills.
- Surgery – Rarely needed, but surgery can remove an unresolved stuck pill causing serious complications.
During removal procedures, you will be given medication to numb your throat and make you comfortable. Serious cases may require hospitalization afterwards for monitoring and to treat any complications.
Home remedies to help dislodge a stuck pill
While waiting for medical care or a stuck pill to resolve, these self-care tips can provide relief:
- Drink small sips of liquid to wash the pill down. Avoid large gulps which can further lodge the pill.
- Try carbonated drinks like soda that can help dissolve some pill coatings.
- Eat soft foods like bananas, applesauce, or yogurt to help ease the pill down.
- Chew gum which promotes saliva flow and frequent swallowing motions.
- Try relaxed neck stretches or massages along the esophagus pathway.
- Apply a warm compress to your neck and chest to help relax the muscles.
- Don’t try to vomit as this can further wedge the pill in place.
These methods may help coax the pill out of the narrowing it is stuck in and propel it onwards. However, see a doctor promptly if symptoms persist despite home treatments.
How can you prevent a pill from getting stuck in the future?
You can take precautions when taking medications to avoid getting a pill stuck again:
- Take pills with a full glass of water (6-8oz). Also sip more water after swallowing.
- Avoid lying down right after taking pills. Remain fully upright for at least 30 minutes.
- If a pill is large, cut or crush it into smaller pieces if approved by your doctor.
- Chew any pills that are meant to be chewable; don’t just swallow them whole.
- Check that your prescription dosage forms are easy for you to swallow safely.
- Consider liquid or soluble tablet alternatives if you have trouble swallowing larger pills.
- Treat any underlying medical conditions that can impair your ability to swallow pills.
Following proper pill swallowing etiquette reduces chances of pills sticking. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you require any assistance taking medications appropriately.
Conclusion
Getting a pill stuck in your esophagus or chest is a common and treatable occurrence. Mild symptoms can often resolve on their own, but worsening pain or difficulty breathing necessitates prompt medical care. Do not try to dislodge a stubborn pill yourself with harmful methods. With the appropriate treatment guided by a doctor, the lodged pill can be safely removed. Implementing proper pill-taking habits can help prevent recurrences in the future.
