Khaberni - Every year, people around the world consume 3.8 trillion doses of medication, an astonishing number. Most of them are swallowed rather than injected or inhaled, because oral administration is the easiest and safest way at home. However, even taking a pill routinely can sometimes cause harm, which is why some medication tablets are available in gelatin or (gelatin) form, but this has its own issues.
According to the "Independent", esophagitis from taking a pill occurs when a tablet or capsule gets stuck at the lower end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach.
Chemical burn
If a pill gets stuck there and starts to dissolve, its active ingredients can be directly released onto the delicate tissue. These substances are often acidic or alkaline, and this can cause chemical burns, quickly leading to pain and inflammation.
Although considered rare, studies indicate that it occurs at a rate of 3.9 per 100,000 people annually.
It may not be sufficiently reported because mild cases often heal without medical care.
When the pill dissolves too early, it exposes the unprotected lining of the esophagus to caustic substances it was not designed to handle, leading to irritation, inflammation, and sometimes ulcers.
The symptoms can mimic heartburn or indigestion, but they are usually more severe and clear, with pain behind the lower rib cage.
Sudden hoarseness
Some may also experience pain when swallowing, sudden hoarseness or a change in voice.
In rare untreated cases, the damage can deepen, allowing ulcers to perforate through the esophageal wall, leading to severe infection or even death.
Women in middle age are often affected, partly because they are statistically more likely to take medications regularly, including treatments for bone health.
Elderly and children
Elderly people are also at higher risk because age-related changes in esophageal motion make it harder for pills to smoothly travel to the stomach. People with conditions that change the shape or position of adjacent organs - like enlarged hearts or thyroid glands - are more at risk.
Children are less commonly affected, but have unique risk factors. The difficulty in swallowing tablets, small body size, and lack of experience all increase the likelihood of a tablet getting stuck.
Medications most likely to cause damage
Osteoporosis treatments are a major cause of this damage, which explains why the problem is common among women, as they are more susceptible to osteoporosis.
Antibiotics of the "tetracycline" class, used for a wide range of infections, also pose similar risks.
Aspirin and ibuprofen, both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are also causes of esophagitis.
Even natural products sold over the counter, such as dietary supplements and vitamins, can cause issues. Caffeine tablets, potassium chloride supplements, L-arginine, and high-dose vitamin C or vitamin E pills have been linked to pill-induced esophagitis.
Gelatin capsules
Soft gelatin capsules carry their own risks. Because gelatin is a hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs moisture from its surroundings, it may soften and become sticky. This increases the likelihood of the capsule sticking to the esophageal wall instead of smoothly passing into the stomach.
When this happens, the contents of the capsule may leak directly onto the sensitive tissue, causing local irritation or ulceration.
Prevention
The good news is that most mild cases resolve within a few days or weeks once the offending medication is stopped.
However, there are simple steps to prevent the development of esophagitis, the most important of which: always take tablets with a full glass of water - about 200 ml - to ensure they reach the stomach.
Take them on an empty stomach if advised by your doctor, and remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards to prevent reflux.
