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 decide whether your pill swallowing deserves further evaluation.
The PILL-5 self-check
Read each question. Give yourself a score for how often you experience it, then add the five scores together for your total (0 to 20).
- 0 · Never
- 1 · Almost never
- 2 · Sometimes
- 3 · Almost always
- 4 · Always
Pills stick in my throat
Pills stick in my chest
I have a fear of swallowing pills
My problem swallowing pills interferes with my ability to take my medicine
I can't take my pills without crushing, coating, or using other forms of assistance
What your score means
0 to 5: your answers 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. Whether your symptoms come from 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 in-person or virtual. Payment options include medical insurance, HSA benefits, or cash payment.
Request medical careBook a virtual consultation
Recommended if you are unsure which service is right for you or simply want guidance before scheduling an evaluation. Credit card or HSA payments only.
Schedule a virtual consultationThe information on this site is educational and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you are choking or cannot breathe, call 911. This page does not collect or store your answers.