How to get rid of gag reflex

How to get rid of gag reflex  

The gag reflex (also known as the pharyngeal or pharyngeal) is a contraction in the throat that occurs when something touches your throat, roof, back, tongue, throat, or area around your tonsils.

This reflexive action prevents choking and helps us avoid potentially dangerous substances.

An overactive gag reflex can be caused by anxiety, postnasal drop, or acid reflux. For those with an active gag reflex, swallowing pills, oral sex or going to the dentist can be problematic.

Please continue reading to learn more about the gag reflex and its causes. We will also discuss ways to stop your gag reflex or reduce its severity.

What’s a gag reflex?

Your gag reflex causes your stomach (oropharynx) muscles to resist swallowing. This prevents you from swallowing potentially dangerous substances or choking.

Gagging can be accompanied by severe muscle spasms in the throat, abdominal muscle spasms, and a feeling of nausea.

A 2014 review shows that gagging reactions range from mild choking to severe retching or vomiting.

What causes gagging in

Gagging can be identified as the physical or psychological stimulation of the area around the oropharynx.

According to a 2015 study trusted source, the gag reflex may be a response to many stimuli that affect your senses.

• Touch
• Taste
• sight
• Smell
• Sound

A gag reflex that is too active can be linked to several conditions, such as:

• Acid reflux and Multiple Sclerosis are two examples of health problems.
• stress
• anxiety
• panic
• Intensive physical activity
• Strong or unpleasant odors
• Sensitivity to certain foods or liquids.

Common situations Stopping your gag reflex.

Gagging can occur in various situations, such as when you swallow pills or have dental treatment.

Pill swallowing

Harvard University reports that 33% of people gag, choke or vomit when trying to swallow pills.

Two methods can be used to help people swallow pills, according to a 2014 study by the University of Heidelberg.

1. In the pop-bottle method, place the pill on your tongue.
2. Keep your lips closed around the bottle’s opening.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Take a sip of the water and hold your lips tightly closed to the opening. Do not let air in.
5. The water will pass down your throat, and the pill will be swallowed.

This technique increased pill swallowing in 60% of those who participated in the study.

1. The lean-forward approach
2. Place the pill on your tongue.
3. Take a sip of water, but don’t swallow it.
4. Keep your head up, chin towards the chest.
5. Take the water and swallow the pill with your head facing forward.

The study found that the lean forward method increased swallowing by more than 99% of participants.

This article explains more about the other methods of pill-swinging.

Dental treatments

According to a 2014 study trusted source, about 50% of dental patients gag when they visit the dentist. Dentists can help patients stop their gag reflex and make the treatment go smoothly.

• Medication. According to a 2016 study, local anesthetic successfully controlled the gag reflex. According to a 2015 study, tranquilizers may reduce anxiety and tension, which could lower the likelihood of gagging.
• Psychology. According to the 2015 Trusted Source study, some patients may be gagging if they are distracted by conversation or physically placed.

Acupuncture Stopping the gag reflex.

Acupuncture can be considered a complementary medical procedure. It uses thin needles to penetrate the skin at specific points.

According to a 2015 study, acupuncture at two points could be used to control the gag reflex for a brief period. The first point is located on the wrist just below the palm. Point two is just below the lip at the chin.

A 2014 Nitte University Journal of Health Science review found that specific anti-gagging points on each ear are the best.

Acupuncture should be done only by licensed acupuncturists.

Acupressure Stopping the gag reflex.

Acupressure is a Chinese traditional therapy that applies pressure to certain points of the body to stimulate it to deal with issues like stress or illness.

Acupressure is often referred to as acupuncture, but without the needles. A 2008 study showed that pressure applied to a particular point on the palm consistently changed the gag reflex.

To apply this pressure, you can close your left hand and place your thumb over your left thumb. This is called a “fist”. You can apply pressure to your thumb by squeezing your fingers, but not enough to cause pain.

How do you desensitize the gag reflex?

Your gag reflex can be reduced or eliminated by getting used to your soft palate being touched. You can try this technique:

1. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your tongue. Continue until you reach the part that makes you gag. You might gag if you brush too far.
2. Brush the area for about 15 seconds.
3. Continue this process for one day until you feel no urge to gag. This area has been desensitized.
4. Move the brush back 1/4 to 1/2 inch, and then continue the process until your tongue is at its farthest visual point.

Gagging problems can be helped by desensitization. This is a long-term treatment that takes around a month. This can make it easier to tolerate triggers like new dentures, dental swabbing or oral sexual sex.

The takeaway

Gagging can be uncomfortable in many situations, including swallowing pills or visiting the dentist. Local anesthetic and Chinese acupuncture are short-term options to reduce your gag reflex. Desensitization is a longer-term treatment.

Remember that your gag reflex is a defense mechanism for your body. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in reducing or eliminating it. They can recommend treatment options based on your current health and any medication you are currently taking.