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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can A Pill Go Up Your Nasal Cavity Instead Of Down?

Can a pill go up your nasal cavity instead of down your throat Having a rough time taking my meds because throat is swollen and think to much about taking the pills once they are in my mouth. Tried to take my tamaflu last night and I swear it is stuck somewhere in my nasal cavity.. Can that happen? How can I fix it? I tried snorting salt water. The feeling and taste is driving me crazy...
Mon, 28 Feb 2011
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Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist,  's  Response
1. Rarely, yes, it is possible to have a tablet accidentally lodged behind your nose and above your soft palate in the area known as the nasopharynx. Because the soft palate is mobile, and because tablets will dissolve in time along with the nasal secretions, it is highly unlikely to stay there for long.
2. It is possible to visualize this are easily by doing a posterior rhinoscopy or a nasal endoscopy with or without local anesthesia. (It may not easily show up on an X-ray).
3. There is no risk associated as such except a small risk of a inhaling the tablet or it's remnants accidentally. A Tamiflu tablet will give a bad taste as it dissolves.
4. Therefore , since you have already tried snorting salt water, I strongly recommend that you approach a local ENT specialist to put an end to your problem.
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Can A Pill Go Up Your Nasal Cavity Instead Of Down?

1. Rarely, yes, it is possible to have a tablet accidentally lodged behind your nose and above your soft palate in the area known as the nasopharynx. Because the soft palate is mobile, and because tablets will dissolve in time along with the nasal secretions, it is highly unlikely to stay there for long. 2. It is possible to visualize this are easily by doing a posterior rhinoscopy or a nasal endoscopy with or without local anesthesia. (It may not easily show up on an X-ray). 3. There is no risk associated as such except a small risk of a inhaling the tablet or it s remnants accidentally. A Tamiflu tablet will give a bad taste as it dissolves. 4. Therefore , since you have already tried snorting salt water, I strongly recommend that you approach a local ENT specialist to put an end to your problem.