If you've ever had trouble swallowing a pill, you're not alone.

A recent survey found that 40 percent of American adults have had difficulty swallowing pills, even though most have no problems swallowing food or liquid.

Surprisingly, more people between the ages of 18 and 64 reported problems taking pills than those age 65 and over.

"The survey gives us a better understanding of why many individuals do not benefit properly from medication," says Barbara C. Sonies, doctor with the National Institutes of Health.

The survey found that of those who experience difficulty swallowing, 14 percent have delayed taking doses of the medication, 8 percent have skipped a dose and 4 percent have stopped taking their medication altogether.

Whatever happened to a spoonful of sugar?