Do You Have Trouble Swallowing Pills?
Many people struggle to swallow medications, even when they have no difficulty eating or drinking. Difficulty swallowing pills is common, but it is not something you simply have to live with.
The Pill-5 Questionnaire can help you determine whether your pill swallowing deserves further evaluation.
Instructions: Read the five questions below and add up your total score for each question.
What Your Score Means
0–5
Your responses suggest little or no concern with pill swallowing. If swallowing pills is still frustrating or causing anxiety, we can still help.
6 or Higher
A score of 6 or greater suggests clinically significant difficulty swallowing pills.
Many people with higher scores:
Avoid medications
Modify pills without knowing if it is safe
Feel anxious about taking medications
Experience pills sticking in the throat
Need excessive water or food to swallow pills
A swallowing evaluation can help determine why pills are difficult to swallow and identify strategies that make taking medications safer and easier.
How we can help
At Swallowing Wellness, we specialize in evaluating and treating pill swallowing difficulties. Our team can:
Determine why pills are difficult to swallow
Identify whether pills are entering the airway or getting stuck
Recommend safer swallowing techniques
Work with your physician and pharmacist on medication alternatives when appropriate
Develop a personalized treatment plan to improve pill swallowing
If your score is 6 or higher, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Difficulty swallowing pills is common and often treatable. Whether your symptoms are due to swallowing mechanics, anxiety after a choking event, changes related to aging, or another medical condition, our goal is to help you take medications with greater confidence and safety.
Choose the option that best fits your needs:
Book a Swallowing Evaluation
Recommended if you are looking for diagnosis and treatment (medical care). All swallowing evaluations are in-person visits, but therapy can be either in-person or virtual. Payment options include medical insurance, HSA benefits, or cash payment.
Book a Virtual Consultation
Recommended if you're unsure which service is right for you or simply want guidance before scheduling an evaluation. Credit care or HSA payments only.
