Good medicine for sore throat
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Effective Medicines for Sore Throat Relief
Sore throat is a common ailment that can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Various treatments are available, ranging from antibiotics to herbal remedies and corticosteroids. This article synthesizes the findings from multiple research studies to provide an overview of effective medicines for sore throat relief.
Antibiotics for Sore Throat
Effectiveness and Limitations
Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for sore throats, especially when a bacterial infection is suspected. Studies show that antibiotics can reduce throat soreness and fever by about half, with the most significant improvement observed by day three of treatment1 4 7. Antibiotics are particularly effective when throat swabs test positive for Streptococcus, showing a risk ratio (RR) of 0.58 at day three and 0.29 at week one1 4 7. However, the absolute benefits are modest, shortening the duration of symptoms by about 16 hours overall1 4 7. Additionally, antibiotics can reduce the incidence of complications such as acute otitis media, acute sinusitis, and quinsy1 4 7.
Considerations
Despite their benefits, antibiotics are not always necessary for sore throat treatment, especially in high-income countries where the risk of complications is low. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to adverse effects like diarrhea and rash, and contribute to antibiotic resistance1 4 7.
Chinese Herbal Medicines
Efficacy and Safety
Chinese herbal medicines are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating sore throats. Some formulations, such as Ertong Qingyan Jiere Koufuye and Yanhouling mixture, have shown superior efficacy compared to conventional treatments like gentamicin atomized inhalation and sodium penicillin2 6. However, the quality of clinical trials assessing these herbal medicines is often poor, making their efficacy controversial and questionable2 6.
Considerations
Due to the lack of high-quality evidence, it is difficult to recommend any specific Chinese herbal formulation as a reliable remedy for sore throat2 6.
Corticosteroids for Sore Throat
Effectiveness and Benefits
Corticosteroids, when used in addition to antibiotics, can significantly improve sore throat symptoms by reducing inflammation. They increase the likelihood of complete pain resolution at 24 hours by more than three times and at 48 hours by 1.7 times3 5. Corticosteroids also reduce the mean time to pain relief onset and complete pain resolution by 6 and 14 hours, respectively3 5. The treatment is generally safe, with no significant difference in adverse events compared to placebo3 5.
Considerations
While corticosteroids offer moderate benefits, further research is needed to assess their efficacy as standalone treatments and their long-term safety, especially in children3 5.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Efficacy and Safety
NSAIDs, such as flurbiprofen, are effective in providing fast and significant relief from sore throat symptoms. Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg microgranules have been shown to reduce throat soreness and difficulty in swallowing within minutes, with effects lasting up to six hours9. NSAIDs work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces inflammation and pain10.
Considerations
While NSAIDs are effective, they can have side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and renal failure. Their potential benefits must be weighed against these risks, especially for over-the-counter use10.
Conclusion
For sore throat relief, antibiotics are effective but should be used judiciously to avoid resistance and adverse effects. Chinese herbal medicines show promise but lack high-quality evidence. Corticosteroids can significantly improve symptoms when used with antibiotics, and NSAIDs offer quick relief but come with potential side effects. Patients should consult healthcare providers to choose the most appropriate treatment based on their specific condition and medical history.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Antibiotics for sore throat (Review)
Antibiotics provide relative benefits for sore throat treatment, but their absolute benefits are modest and their use is limited in modern Western society.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedChinese medicinal herbs for sore throat.
Chinese herbal medicines, particularly Ertong Qingyan Jiere Koufuye and Yanhouling mixture, show promising results in improving recovery for various types of sore throat.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalCorticosteroids as standalone or add-on treatment for sore throat.
Corticosteroids, when added to antibiotics, significantly increase the likelihood of pain resolution and improvement in adults and children with sore throat.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAntibiotics for sore throat.
Antibiotics provide relative benefits in treating sore throat symptoms, but their absolute benefits are modest.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCorticosteroids as standalone or add-on treatment for sore throat.
Corticosteroids can effectively reduce sore throat symptoms in adults and children, increasing pain resolution and reducing recurrence rates without significant adverse events.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalChinese medicinal herbs for sore throat.
Chinese herbal medicines, particularly Ertong Qingyan Jiere Koufuye and Yanhouling mixture, show potential in improving recovery from acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalAntibiotics for sore throat.
Antibiotics can reduce sore throat symptoms by about half and may protect against complications, but their absolute benefits are modest and require treating many patients for one to benefit.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedAntibiotics for sore throat.
Antibiotics effectively reduce sore throat symptoms and complications, with a greater impact on acute rheumatic fever and suppurative complications.
Meta-AnalysisFlurbiprofen microgranules for relief of sore throat: a randomised, double-blind trial.
Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg microgranules provide fast and effective relief from sore throat due to upper respiratory tract infection, offering an alternative treatment option to antibiotic therapy.
RCT
Large Human TrialNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for acute sore throat
NSAIDs show potential in providing symptom relief for acute sore throat in children and adults, potentially reducing antibiotic overprescribing and contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous Journal