Treatment options
Treatment options
Most sore throats are self-limiting and 90 per cent of patients feel better or improve within one week of the onset of symptoms, whatever the cause and with or without antibiotics. NICE states that “antibiotics make little difference to how long symptoms last or the number of people whose symptoms improve”.
Pharmacists can offer symptomatic treatment to provide some relief from discomfort and pain until the infection subsides. Oral analgesics are the first-line option and recommended for all patients, even those given antibiotics.
A systematic review of clinical trials found that simple analgesics (paracetamol and ibuprofen) are very effective at reducing the pain from sore throat. Some medicated lozenges and pastilles have a soothing effect.
NICE states that “medicated lozenges containing benzocaine, hexylresorcinol or flurbiprofen may help to reduce pain in adults”. There is also some evidence that benzydamine spray is effective for sore throat pain.
Antibiotics are indicated in a small proportion of sore throats and have been shown to reduce the duration of symptoms by an average of just 16 hours.
Self-care advice
Providing patients with appropriate with self-care advice aims to prevent dehydration where there is fever, and to manage the discomfort associated with drinking and eating:
- Advise regular use of paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever – a raised temperature should settle in 36-48 hours
- Encourage adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration if fever is present
- Provide advice regarding food and drink to avoid exacerbating pain (e.g. avoid hot drinks and stick to warm or cold fluids)
- Adults or older children may find sucking throat lozenges, hard boiled sweets, ice, or flavoured frozen desserts (such as ice lollies) provide additional symptomatic relief
- Gargling with warm salty water at frequent intervals can help soothe the throat until the discomfort and swelling subside (not advised for children)
- Advise that not smoking and staying away from smoky environments will prevent further irritation of the throat.