Header Graphic
FoodIssues > Encouraging Pill Swallowing in Young Children with Cystic Fibrosis


Note: You are currently logged into www.TipsForCFParents.com under
"Food Issues and Picky Eaters"


This behavioral intervention was developed for CF Teams and parents to help children ages 3 to 8 to learn how to swallow pills. Many children with CF learn to swallow their enzymes naturally. If your child has not learned to do this on his or her own by age 3, talk with your CF Team about getting their help in doing this program with you and your child.

Link: http://www.happyheartfamilies.citymax.com/f/CF_Pill_Swallowing_Program.pdf 

For more tips about how to get your toddler to take enzymes without applesauce, see the article "Enzymes Beyond Applesauce"


Why is pill swallowing important?

"Difficulty swallowing pills is a significant barrier to adherence in young children with CF. In a survey of patients from general pediatric practices, 26% of children had difficulty swallowing pills. In a study of barriers to adherence for CF, “difficulty swallowing pills” was listed by the child as the second most important reason for missing enzymes or oral medications." (Marciel, Quittner, Modi, & Cruz, n.d.)

Learning to swallow pills is important for children who must regularly take oral medications. Swallowing pills without difficulty increases adherence, convenience for parents, and the efficacy of enzymes.

Reference: Encouraging Pill Swallowing in Young Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Behavioral Intervention for the CF Team by Kristen K. Marciel, Ph.D., Alexandra L. Quittner, Ph.D.,Avani C. Modi, Ph.D., & Ivette Cruz, M.S. 

 

This website is the sole property of Lisa C. Greene, M.A., CFLE. Lisa is a certified parent coach, certified family life educator, public speaker, and a mom. She is also the co-author with Foster Cline, MD of the award-winning Love and Logic® book “Parenting Children with Health Issues.” For more information,  visit visit www.ParentingChildrenWithHealthIssues.com.  
                               
© 2007 – 2023 All materials on this website are copyrighted by Lisa C. Greene dba Happy Heart Famillies unless otherwise noted. 
All Rights reserved. Please contact Lisa for permission to reprint. Thank you.

The information published on this website or in any connected material is the opinion of Lisa C. Greene dba Happy Heart Families only and is not meant to replace professional medical or mental health care.  Persons should always seek the advice of a medical professional when making decisions about personal healthcare or treatment.

Contact: Happy Heart Families at: 10016 Edmonds Way, C#223, Edmonds, WA 98020  (425) 298-7197 or visit Contact Info to send an email.