Know about medicine with Chula Pharmacy: Use lozenges to relieve sore throat according to the symptoms.

    Last week, there was a back-and-forth debate on social media about lozenges for sore throats. It is said that If my throat hurts a lot Then go see a doctor at the hospital. But the doctor considered the symptoms and prescribed only lozenges to relieve sore throat. Ok, it will help relieve a sore throat. Is it true? However, a sore throat, including a cough with or without phlegm, is just pain, swelling, and redness in the throat. It's a symptom called inflammation.

    A sore throat can have many causes, such as viral infections. or bacteria In general, if infected, it is usually a virus. It may also be caused by allergies, such as allergies to dust, various fumes, smoking, or from having hot sores in the throat. In some cases, it is also caused by acid reflux.

    In addition, if we use our voices a lot, talk all day, or sleep with our mouths open. You can have a sore throat as well. As for coughing, it is the body's response mechanism to get rid of foreign substances such as phlegm. It may not be related to infection at all. It may just be dust, smoke, pungent odors, allergies, etc. that cause us to cough.

    Therefore, the diagnosis of a person with a sore throat Or what causes coughing? Therefore it is necessary to take a detailed history. and take care according to the cause Not when your throat hurts. Hoping to get only antibiotics In general, doctors and pharmacists will not prescribe antibiotics. If there is no bacterial infection To prevent the problem of drug resistance in the future. But if the patient has a sore throat Lozenges to relieve sore throats It is one reasonable treatment option. And there are many types of lozenges to choose from.

    The first type is a group of candies that help soothe the throat. Reduce throat irritation These candies are considered food. Notice that it has the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) mark. The other type has medicine added, so it is classified as medicine, which includes both common household medicines that can be bought everywhere. with groups of dangerous drugs sold in drug stores or must be paid by a doctor

    There are many types of medicines included in lozenges to relieve sore throats. The first type is local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, which helps reduce sore throat symptoms. Some patients have a sore throat and when they swallow something it hurts a lot. This medicine helps well. The second type is Mild disinfectant that are not antibiotics Also known as antiseptics that are commonly used include dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmethacresol. (Amylmetacresol) The third type is a medicine that helps relieve irritation in the throat, soothes the throat, and feels comfortable in the throat, including menthol. And the last type found in modern medicine is A lozenge containing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Also known as NSAIDs, the drug used in the lozenge is florbiprofen. (flurbiprofen), which this type of medicine must be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist only Some people are allergic to drugs in this group, which is very dangerous. Therefore it should not be used too much.

    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause stomach irritation. And there are also herbal lozenges. that helps soothe the throat Reduce irritation And helps expel phlegm, such as Maweng, Gooseberry, Licorice, etc.

    Emphasize that treating a sore throat It is important to look at the cause. And it is recommended to drink water often. To keep the throat moist Reduce irritation As for lozenges, they only help relieve throat irritation. Therefore, before using the medicine, you must make sure that The user is not allergic to the drug contained in the lozenge used. Especially the type of local anesthetic. or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Therefore, you must check or ask a pharmacist before using. and in the case where the drug label specifies the dosage for use must be strictly followed You shouldn't use it as often as you wish. Because it may cause you to get too much medicine.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University