How effective are treatments other than antibiotics for acute sore throat?

Paper

How effective are treatments other than antibiotics for acute sore throat?

Published Oct 1, 2000 · M. Thomas, C. D. Mar, P. Glasziou

The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners

101

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3

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Abstract

To estimate the benefits of treatments other than antibiotics for acute sore throat, and the differences between non-antibiotic interventions and controls in patient-perceived pain of sore throat, a systematic review of controlled trials in Medline and the Cochrane Library was carried out. Sixty-six randomised controlled trials (with or without additional antibiotics) were identified and 17 met the selection criteria. Twenty-two non-antibiotic managements for sore throat were compared. Their efficacy relative to placebo ranged from no effect to 93%. Some non-antibiotic treatments may be more effective than antibiotics; however, publication bias may have exaggerated the benefits. These treatments should be investigated further with respect to efficacy, safety, and side-effects as potential firstline management options for acute sore throat.

Systematic Review

Highly Cited

Study Snapshot

Non-antibiotic treatments for acute sore throat may be more effective than antibiotics, but publication bias may exaggerate their benefits.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

How effective are treatments other than antibiotics for acute sore throat?

References

Citations