Treatment Sore Throat

This section is about what over the counter treatments are available (not all treatments may be available in that country) and how they help.

Please check all ingredients and to make sure one is not sensitive or allergic to them or have any intolerance to any ingredients.
Lozenges are not suitable for very young children in case they choke

Aim:

To soothe the sore throat and bring down any inflammation (hot, red and swelling) of the throat to and provide more comfort.

Products are available in mouthwashes, sprays, soluble tablets and lozenges

Demulcents

These products help to soothe the cough and are very sweet tasting.

Antiseptics

These products help to keep bacteria away and thus help to soothe the throat.

Anaesthetic

These products help to numb the throat and are particularly useful in a painful sort throat.
They are not suitable for young children, during pregnancy and the elderly and/or have sensitivity to anaesthetic agents and/or have
methemoglobinemia – (red blood cell disorder condition where one skin can turn blue, confusion, drowsiness, headaches, jerky movements nausea and vomiting , rapid breathing and increased heart rate) – (medication list for methemoglobinemia) and should not be used longer than 5 days.

Antibiotics

These products contain a mild antibiotic to help with a throat infection.

Linctus

Please note simple linctus containing products can interact with warfarin.

Painkillers

Provide pain relief and continue your daily routine.

There are a wide range of painkillers and anti-inflammatory painkillers available and are available in a variety of forms from sachets, liquids, tablets and soluble tablets and patches.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol has no anti-inflammatory action. It does help to reduce temperature and pain by blocking signals to the brain and is gentle on the stomach.
Paracetamol must be taken to the manufacturer’s direction. Do not exceed dose as it can be dangerous.
Please be aware Paracetamol can be found in many cold and flu products so don’t take them together or talk to your pharmacist if one is not sure.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen

These are known as NSAID – Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
They have painkilling, anti-inflammatory and lowering fever properties by helping to blocking prostaglandins.
They can cause stomach upset (extra caution must be taken with those who have a stomach ulcer) so it is important to have it with or after food. It can also raise one’s blood pressure (extra caution on those with heart problems).
They must be taken according to manufacturer’s directions as exceeding the does can be dangerous.
Please be aware that cold and flu products have NSAIDS, do not take at same time or talk to your pharmacist if one is not sure.

Vitamins

Multivitamins are not intended to prevent long term conditions, reduce infection and is not proven (or data is weak) to help with cancer.

These are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to function properly.