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By Jessica Lane | Updated: Sep. 17, 2021 | Originally Published: Sep. 17, 2021
There’s a habit my partner has that makes me cringe. It’s not the occasional dirty socks left around the house or the long-forgotten coffee cups in the car. It’s the way he swallows pills—completely dry, without a single drop of water. I find it utterly revolting.
I can’t fathom how he manages it. For me, I need a whole cup of water to get a single pill or vitamin down. I prefer pills that are coated or in gel capsules. Perhaps my gag reflex is overly sensitive, but I often struggle multiple times to get my medication down, even with water. Meanwhile, my partner takes his pills without even a sip—just a quick gulp and they disappear. The sound of that dry swallow is enough to make me want to retch.
Recently, he developed an ear infection and was popping pills left and right—pain relievers, antibiotics, and then antihistamines due to an allergic reaction. I was exasperated watching him dry swallow these medications, so I took to social media to vent my frustration. To my surprise, I discovered that he’s not alone in this bizarre practice; several friends reported that they or their partners do the same, and most find it equally unsettling.
What shocked me even more was learning that swallowing pills dry isn’t just odd—it can be dangerous. A friend who is a doctor noted that without water, pills can lodge in the esophagus, potentially causing damage. Another friend recounted how her father, also a doctor, suffered a painful esophageal ulcer after years of dry swallowing. “He never did it again and warned us never to try it!” she shared.
According to Healthline, swallowing pills without water increases the risk of them getting stuck in the esophagus, which can irritate the lining if they linger too long. Moreover, without water, the medication may not work as effectively or quickly—definitely not ideal when dealing with health issues!
I made sure to share this information with my partner, who reluctantly agreed to drink water with his pills, albeit with some grumbling. But honestly, it would be a much bigger hassle to rush to the ER if a pill got stuck. It seems he might think he’s some kind of tough guy for swallowing pills dry, but I see it differently.
Old habits are tough to break, but I’m determined to help him change this one—for both his health and my sanity. I can’t bear the thought of witnessing another dry swallow; it makes me feel queasy just thinking about it.
If you want to read more about home insemination and related topics, check out our post on intracervical insemination. Also, for tips on boosting fertility, Make A Mom has some great resources. For further information on pregnancy, visit News Medical.
Summary:
Swallowing pills without water can be harmful, as it increases the risk of the pills getting stuck in the esophagus and potentially causing irritation or damage. Many find this practice strange and off-putting, and it’s advisable to always take medication with water to ensure effectiveness and safety.