What medication should I use for a sore throat?
Sore throat is a very common occurrence and a symptom of many different respiratory conditions. So, what medication should you use when you have a sore throat?
1. Causes of sore throat
Sore throat is a condition where the throat is painful, possibly accompanied by burning sensation, coughing, difficulty swallowing, phlegm, and many other symptoms. Sore throats can be caused by many factors, which can be benign or malignant.
- Malignant causes such as nasopharyngeal cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer.
- Benign causes: Sudden changes in temperature, consuming cold food and drinks, staying in rooms with excessively low air conditioning temperatures, frequent exposure to dusty environments, drinking alcohol, smoking, regularly eating spicy foods, sore throat, tonsillitis, etc.
2. Commonly used medications for sore throat
Depending on the cause of the sore throat, the doctor will choose the appropriate medication.
ButAnalgesic:Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) can be used to relieve sore throats. It is an over-the-counter medication. Patients can purchase it at pharmacies, but should use it according to the manufacturer's instructions (in the product's instruction manual) or as advised by a pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration.
- Alpha chymotrypsin anti-inflammatory drugThis is an enzyme-based anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to reduce inflammation and swelling of the throat and mucous membranes in respiratory tract infections. However, it should not be overused.
ButAntibiotics:Sore throat can be caused by bacteria. In this case, antibiotics are needed to kill the bacteria. Once the cause is eliminated, the patient will experience relief from pain. Some commonly used antibiotics include amoxicillin and cephalexin.
Antibiotics should be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions. Do not increase or decrease the dosage on your own, and take them at the same time each day.
ButMouthwash:Mouthwash is a tool that helps clean the oral cavity, treat certain throat conditions, and relieve sore throat pain.
There are many types of mouthwash. The appropriate mouthwash should be chosen depending on the treatment purpose. Some mouthwashes used for treatment contain added antibacterial agents, essential oils, etc. For best results, rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, 1-3 times a day.
3. Ways to relieve sore throat at home
The following can be used.Non-medicinal remedies for sore throatas follows:
- Gargle with salt water: You can gargle with saline solution 2-3 times a day to help soothe the throat lining and reduce inflammation.
- Drink plenty of warm water: Drinking warm water helps soothe a sore throat and thins out mucus in the throat.
- Taking a hot shower can also help soothe a sore throat thanks to the warmth rising from the hot water.
- Increase air humidity: Increasing the humidity in the air helps soothe swollen nasal and throat tissues. A humidifier can be used to increase the humidity in the room.
- You can drink certain beverages such as: warm water mixed with honey, honey mixed with lemon juice, warm ginger water, steamed kumquats with alum... these can also help soothe the throat and reduce sore throat pain.