How to quickly cure a sore throat at home. Effective means and methods

Updated: 02/01/2021 16:58:20
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*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Sore throat is a widespread symptom that is known to almost all of us since childhood. A sore throat can be a harmless symptom of ARVI, or it can be a dangerous sign of meningococcal nasopharyngitis, which can cause meningitis and generalized infection.

Sore throat is an important diagnostic sign, and an experienced specialist, during questioning and examination, can establish not only an approximate, but even an accurate diagnosis. For example, having discovered the characteristic Belsky-Filatov-Koplik spots on the oral mucosa, you can quite safely make a diagnosis of measles.

Sore throat may be accompanied by various accompanying symptoms, such as tenderness and swelling of regional lymph nodes, fever, nasal congestion and rhinorrhea, and other signs. A sore throat is one of those unpleasant conditions that everyone begins to struggle with in their own ways, without waiting for an initial visit to a doctor.

In this regard, the retail pharmacy chain sells a large number of a wide variety of remedies for eliminating sore throats. Some of them simply relieve the symptom, since they contain local anesthetics, but do not affect the inflammatory process. Other drugs contain antiseptics and antibiotics that act on the microbial flora and promote disinfection. But in the case when pharyngitis or sore throat is caused by a viral infection, antibiotics will be useless, and even harmful, since they will contribute to the development of intestinal dysbiosis.

But an ordinary person is unlikely to understand all these subtleties. Therefore, the rating of the most popular forms for the treatment of sore throat includes remedies that are classified according to their physical characteristics. These are aerosols and sprays that are sprayed, these are chewable tablets, lozenges and lozenges, or solid dosage forms.

In conclusion, we will consider a “budget” set of drugs that relieve sore throat, which have the lowest cost and are available to almost everyone.

Why might your throat hurt?

If your throat starts to hurt when swallowing, this is an alarming symptom that usually occurs against the background of a cold. The cause may be a fungal, bacterial or viral infection. If you do not intervene in time, an ordinary acute respiratory infection can develop into a sore throat, pharyngitis and even laryngitis. Less commonly, the symptom indicates other problems:

1. oncology of the larynx;
2. inflammation of the nasopharynx;
3. damage to the thyroid gland;
4. allergy.

If you cannot swallow saliva without severe pain, you should consider visiting a clinic. The situation is even worse when swelling, wheezing and wheezing are observed. Sharp pain for two days without a rise in temperature is another bad sign. A sharp increase in temperature to critical limits also worries specialists.

Most often, patients experience sore throat. The main causative agents of tonsillitis are staphylococci and streptococci. The pain syndrome is caused by inflammation of the tonsils, consisting of lymphoid tissue. With angina, the temperature can reach 38 degrees, and patients suffer from headaches and general weakness. The tonsils turn red, and the discomfort can last for a long time. Be sure to go to the doctor so as not to transfer the disease to the chronic stage.

Indications for use

• Angina,
• Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx)
• Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)
• Pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx)
• Laryngotracheitis (inflammation of the trachea and larynx)
• Inflammation of the gums, tongue, oral mucosa
• Stomatitis

Some tablets (for example, sage lozenges) can be used regularly when working in unfavorable conditions, constant tension in the vocal cords, or soreness due to smoking. The main thing is not to exceed the dosage.

Expert

Kravchenko Anna

Otorhinolaryngologist

5 years

The best tablets, lozenges, lozenges for sore throat

Lozenges and lollipops are very popular. Application intervals may vary - it all depends on the chemical composition. Some components are better absorbed before meals, others after. Please read the instructions included in the package carefully. Consult your doctor. Mistakes can lead to dizziness, diarrhea and other side effects.

5Neo-angin

It is an antiseptic and a disinfectant at the same time. Neo-angin is intended for resorption, do not try to swallow them right away. Dichlorobenzyl alcohol acts as an antiseptic, and amylmetacresol is responsible for disinfecting the body. Levomenthol is also present in the composition - this substance helps freshen breath. If you bought the sugar-free version, then the additional components will be tartaric acid, mint and anise oils. The pain is relieved due to the anesthetic effect.

Indications for use: numerous diseases of the oral cavity, including sore throat, pharyngitis and viral infections. Children six years of age (and older), as well as adult patients, are recommended to simply dissolve the medicine. The interval is one lollipop every three hours. The maximum permissible daily dosage is 6 tablets. For 90-100 rubles you will buy a pack of 16 tablets, which won’t break your budget. (Germany).

Pros:

• German quality
• Acceptable price
• Rarely occurring side effects
• The product is easily integrated into complex therapy
• Allowed for use during lactation and pregnancy
• Long-term use is allowed

Minuses:

• Large consumption (packaging will last for a maximum of three days)

4Septolete Neo

It is a powerful antiseptic for the throat and mouth. It is produced in the form of lemon lozenges, but cherry and apple are also found on the market. The active substance is cetylpyridinium chloride. One package contains 18 light green lozenges intended for resorption. The composition has much in common with the Inhalipt aerosol - it contains menthol, eucalyptus and peppermint. The main impact of the lozenge is on gram-positive bacteria, which provoke the occurrence of sore throat. Additional bonuses include pain relief, fungicidal, antifungal and refreshing effects.

There is a daily limit of no more than eight lozenges. The tablets should be dissolved after about two to three hours, but this is for adult patients. For children under 12 years of age, the dosage is reduced. In one package you will find 30 tablets at a price of 150 rubles, which is a bit expensive. The product is manufactured by KRKA (Slovenia).

Pros:

• Good European quality
• Highly tolerated by children and adults
• Treatment during lactation and pregnancy is allowed
• Quick results

Minuses:

• High price
• Contains sugar (bad for diabetics)
• Cannot be combined with milk consumption

3Faryngosept tablets

A proven solution for the symptomatic treatment of the mouth and throat. The main component is ambazon. This substance has both an antiseptic and disinfectant effect. The recipe contains cocoa - hence the specific taste and brown color. There are tablets with lemon flavor, and the drug can be taken from three years of age. An additional advantage of ambazone is that this substance inhibits bacterial growth.

Half an hour after resorption, you will begin to feel a powerful antiseptic effect. Tablets are recommended even after a visit to the dentist - they help avoid secondary complications. The ideal time to take is after a meal (after 30 minutes). Avoid eating and drinking for the next three hours. The course does not exceed four days, and for children aged 3-7 years there is a daily limit of 3 tablets. The medicine is produced in Romania. Each package contains 10 lollipops.

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive cost
• Quick effect
• The likelihood of an overdose is negligible
• Almost complete absence of side effects
• Pleasant lemon taste

Minuses:

• Modest number of tablets per package
• Restrictions for children 3-7 years old
• Sucrose in the composition can harm diabetics

2Yodangin

The product has a softening and anti-inflammatory effect, quickly relieves the patient of unpleasant odor and relieves pain. Blisters are sold in cardboard boxes and are intended for resorption. The composition contains potassium iodide, menthol and sea salt. This mineral complex will soothe irritated mucous membranes and alleviate inflammation of the tonsils. Extracts of sage and eucalyptus successfully resist bacteria and serve as an analogue of local anesthesia, promoting the regeneration of mucous membranes.

Resorption of Yodangin serves as a good alternative to rinsing. The tablets can also be used as part of complex therapy, which will help cope with laryngitis, hoarseness and dry cough. Viruses and germs are washed away from the mucous membrane, which speeds up natural healing. The course lasts 5-10 days. After 14 years, the permissible daily dose is 7 tablets.

Pros:

• Lack of antiseptics and antibiotics that can harm the intestines
• No side effects found
• Availability of complex therapy
• The presence of minerals in the composition

Minuses:

• Breastfeeding and pregnancy are contraindications
• The price may seem high

1Grammidin

There are two varieties of this medicine - with the addition of an anesthetic and lidocaine. Pure Grammidin is also known, which is a fairly effective antibiotic. It is better to use tablets with lidocaine - they quickly act on pain receptors and relieve pain during swallowing. After dissolving the tablet, you need to wait 40 minutes - and you will feel relief.

High concentrations of the substance can destroy bacteria, so in addition to the pain relief, you get an antiseptic effect. Increased salivation leads to accelerated removal of the substrate from the oropharynx (along with pathogenic microflora). Grammidin is a domestic product, but its price cannot be called affordable (350-400 rubles per package). Adults need to dissolve two tablets at once with a half-hour break three times a day. The daily dosage for children is reduced (4 lozenges).

Pros:

• Accelerated Performance
• The presence of an anesthetic in the composition
• Increased salivation removes bacteria from the body
• Allergic reactions are very rare
• With complex therapy, it enhances the antimicrobial effect

Minuses:

• High price
• Cannot be used while breastfeeding
• There is a possibility of slight numbness of the tongue if lidocaine is present in the composition

Combined products

Combination tablets for the treatment of sore throat may combine antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic and herbal ingredients in one product.

All drugs in the above groups are predominantly combinations of several active ingredients.

In this way, it is possible to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect in a short period of time.

Despite the content of several main components, the list of contraindications and side effects is small, due to the local effects of the agents.

The best aerosols for sore throat

Aerosols and sprays have good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The idea is to irrigate the inflamed area with a healing substance. Spraying usually occurs 3-4 times a day. The main advantage of aerosols is their ease of use. There are products that are applied to the inflamed surface six times. A simple press of a button is enough and you will feel relief.

5Pro-Ambassador

The main component of this spray is propolis, also known as bee glue. Propolis contains rare trace elements, amino acids, essential oils and flavonoids. The drug we are considering does not consist of propolis itself, but of its alcohol extract. The product is prescribed by doctors for diseases of the oral cavity, stomatitis, gingivitis, laryngitis, sore throat and chronic periodontal disease. The drug should be sprayed while inhaling, holding the button pressed for about two seconds.

If you experience acute pain, you should repeat the spray three times a day. Having achieved relief, switch to a double dose. The average course of treatment is 5-7 days. It is worth considering that these terms are relevant for daily use of the product. For a 50-gram bottle you will pay 120-140 rubles, so this is not the most expensive medicine. .

Pros:

• Acceptable price
• Abundance of beneficial ingredients of natural origin
• Can be taken as part of complex therapy

Minuses:

• Hypersensitivity to bee products can cause allergies
• Drivers should not take Proposol due to the ethyl alcohol in its composition.
• The drug is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age

4Miramistin

Another Russian broad-spectrum remedy. The spray is even used in surgery and urology. Miramistin is safe for children, so there are no age restrictions. The drug has no pronounced taste and has a transparent consistency. Pain relief is immediate, which is the reason for the positive reviews. The average price ranges from 330-350 rubles, which is a bit expensive. But you get a 150-gram bottle of the drug, and this will last for a long time.

The composition is very simple, but this is not a reason for skepticism. Miramistin not only relieves pain, but also prevents the further proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity. The active ingredient is benzyldimethylmyristoylaminopropyl ammonium chloride. Instead of an alcohol solution, water is used, so you don’t have to worry while driving.

Pros:

• Age restrictions lifted
• No alcohol in the composition
• With complex therapy, the product regenerates oropharyngeal tissue

Minuses:

• High price
• The maximum course is 10 days (after this the likelihood of side effects increases)

3Yox spray

If you remember Lugol's solution, then here it is - its modern analogue. The main active ingredient in both cases is iodine, but to use Lugol's you would need a cotton swab. And Yox is a spray, which is much more convenient and effective. The spray includes povidone-iodine, which has an organic base and is combined with allantoin. The recipe also includes citric acid, menthol, water and ethyl alcohol. This entails a number of restrictions (including age restrictions).

Yox is a clear liquid with a brownish tint. We have before us a powerful antiseptic that releases iodine after spraying the substance over the mucous membrane. Thanks to the antiseptic properties of iodine, the drug successfully fights the further development of pathogenic bacteria. Inflammatory processes are also minimized, so the drug is prescribed for infectious diseases. Daily dose - 2-4 sprays. For a 30-gram bottle you will pay a little more than 200 rubles. Manufacturer: pharmaceutical (Czech Republic).

Pros:

• European quality
• Well tolerated
• Powerful anti-inflammatory effect

Minuses:

• Probability of developing iodism with frequent use
• No swallowing
• Restriction for children under eight, pregnant and nursing mothers

2Inhalipt

This is a Ukrainian aerosol with a complex recipe (there are synthetic and natural substances). The main role is played by antiseptics, plant extracts, eucalyptus and peppermint oils. The spray contains streptocide and norsulfazole - they enhance the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. The spray is very refreshing, and is prescribed for any inflammation of the tonsils, oropharynx, laryngitis and stomatitis.

The standard daily dose is 3-4 doses. Before spraying the aerosol, rinse your mouth thoroughly. In addition to Ukrainian aerosols, there are Russian sprays produced under the Ingalipt brand. In the second case, you will pay 70-100 rubles for a 20-gram bottle.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Abundance of plant components
• Refreshing effect
• Pleasant fragrant taste
• No contraindications (hypersensitivity is rare in patients)
• The product is available to nursing and pregnant mothers, as well as children

Minuses:

• low effectiveness (copes only with colds)

1Hexoral spray

An aerosol made in France, which has the highest rating and is instantly sold out in pharmacies. The reason for the popularity of Hexoral is that a significant improvement in health is observed after just three days of regular spraying. Doctors prescribe Hexoral for sore throat and pharyngitis. A couple of daily doses are enough to achieve impressive results. There is a restriction up to three years of age; others can use the spray without harm to their well-being.

Side effects are kept to a minimum. Pregnancy is not considered a contraindication. The active substance is hecatidine (impacts the metabolism of pathogenic microflora, which leads to the destruction of microbes). The composition contains medical alcohol, so nursing mothers, drivers and factory workers should be careful.

Pros:

• Quick effect
• No side effects
• Lightning-fast pain relief
• Antibacterial action
• European quality

Minuses:

• Relatively high price
• Bad taste
• The presence of ethyl alcohol in the formula

The best solutions for gargling for a sore throat

Swelling of the tonsils leads to irritation of the receptors, hence the pain syndrome. Rinse solutions quickly act on the mucous membrane and relieve discomfort. The mechanism involves drawing out fluid from the tonsils and providing pain relief through additional components. There are many similarities between the effects of sprays and solutions, but there are also differences.

4Chlorophyllipt

Russian ones come in the form of a solution for internal use, Ukrainian ones supply spray to pharmacies. This is an irreplaceable thing for a sore throat, and you will feel the first changes already by the third day of the treatment course. Herbal ingredients guarantee safety.

For one-year-old children, use is limited; other patients can use the drug. The main ingredient is eucalyptus essential oil. The substance is characterized by antiviral, analgesic and bactericidal effects. An additional bonus is that it thins mucus and removes bacteria from the body through coughing.

Pros:

• Increased efficiency
• Herbal ingredients
• Minimum restrictions
• Sold as a spray and rinse solutions (or for internal use)

Minuses:

• Specific taste
• The medicine can hardly be called budget

3Romazulan

The basis of the drug is chamomile extract, it is a disinfectant and antiseptic solution. Prescribed for gingivitis, tonsillitis, otitis and other infectious diseases. It is taken orally, but for sore throat, rinsing is recommended. The product is sold in bottles of 50 and 100 milliliters. Regular use reduces inflammation, reduces the number of germs and relieves pain.

Side effects are rare, but allergic reactions and hypersensitivity should not be ruled out. When rinsing, dilute one and a half tablespoons of the substance in a liter of clean water. Plant extracts successfully fight pathogenic microflora and strengthen the body's resistance.

Pros:

• The active substance is of natural origin
• Affordable price
• Anti-inflammatory processes

Minuses:

• Difficulty of preparation
• Possibility of allergic reactions

2Hexoral

And again we have before us the brainchild of French pharmacists, only in the format of a rinse solution. The drug has a local anesthetic and antiseptic effect. Recommended for oral inflammation, periodontal disease and fungal infections. The most common indications are sore throat and pharyngitis. The solution also helps in case of injury (the same trip to the dentist). The key component is hexethidine. The anesthetic is benzocaine.

External use is considered relatively safe. The maximum that threatens you is an allergic reaction. The solution is not recommended for young children, as it can provoke methemoglobinemia. If the mouth cavity is covered with ulcers, you should refrain from rinsing.

Pros:

• Effective against fungus and bacteria
• Sore throat goes away quickly
• Minimum of unpleasant consequences

Minuses:

• High price
• Symptomatic focus
• Age restrictions

1Chlorhexidine

Medicines with this name are produced by several Russian companies. These are cheap and effective products (the cost of one bottle rarely exceeds 30 rubles). The active substance is a chlorhexidine solution. In addition to 70-gram bottles, containers of 100 and 500 milliliters are sold. This antimicrobial drug also copes well with viral infections. The prolonged action lasts up to four hours.

Contraindications include hypersensitivity, allergic intolerance and dermatitis. The drug is prescribed for sore throat, stomatitis and sinusitis. This is a powerful antiseptic that is actively used in surgery. Avoid contact of the solution with the mucous membrane of the eye. If Chlorhexidine is accidentally ingested, you will need to undergo gastric lavage.

Pros:

• Efficacy for angina
• Low cost
• Antiseptic effect

Minuses:

• Not recommended for small children
• Unpleasant consequences if you get into the wrong place

Medicines for children

Children need special medications intended for minors. Children should not be treated with sprays - due to the inability to hold their breath, and under 3 years - with lozenges, due to the risk of accidental swallowing. The list of acceptable syrups includes:

1. Gedelix is ​​a symptomatic remedy for colds and flu, made from ivy extract. The medicine accelerates the liquefaction of thick mucous secretion, helping to quickly evacuate it from the respiratory tract. Allowed for use by babies over the first year of life.
2. Dr. Theis with plantain - the advantages of the syrup include its taste, which children like. The composition is represented by pharmaceutical chamomile, gum, lemon balm, fennel, etc. The natural remedy acts more slowly than its synthetic counterparts, but causes less harm to the child’s body. The syrup is used for wet coughs to remove mucous secretions.
3. Eucabal – with thyme and plantain extract. The drug is suitable for dry cough with poor sputum production or its debilitating spastic form. The product contains a minimum amount of auxiliary ingredients and is based on natural substances.

Doctors recommend not to indulge in self-medication. Over time, pathogenic organisms become accustomed to the active components of medicinal substances and lose their initial effectiveness. The drugs are taken strictly according to the instructions, without increasing the dosage or extending the duration of therapy.

What to do if your throat hurts?

The medications discussed above are aimed primarily at eliminating unpleasant symptoms. We recommend that if you have a sore throat, you immediately consult a doctor, identify the nature of the infection and begin to eliminate it. Spicy, excessively hot or cold foods should be excluded from the diet - such dishes irritate the tonsils. Smoking is also not good. Communicate less with others so as not to strain your vocal cords. The air in the room needs to be humidified, and do not forget about regular ventilation.

Drink more fluids and take your temperature constantly. If you have a fever (from 38 degrees), take an antipyretic. Ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol have proven themselves well. Having figured out the type of infection. start using antiviral drugs.

It is important to understand that local therapy will relieve swelling and irritation of the mucous membrane, but will not completely get rid of the problem. Therefore, the complex necessarily includes antibiotics - cephalosporins, macrolides or penicillins. Treat your throat with sprays, add gargles, and suck on painkillers. The doctor will determine the compatibility of the drugs, so do not deviate from the prescribed prescription. Take into account the standard preventive requirements:

1. Rejection of bad habits.
2. Compliance with hygiene standards.
3. Actions aimed at strengthening the immune system.
4. Maximum insulation of the neck area (no hypothermia).
5. Surgical treatment of concomitant ailments against which the symptom is observed (examples are otitis media and caries).

Among the proven folk methods, we note garlic, ginger and propolis. A clove of garlic is kept in the mouth for half an hour, but a piece of propolis needs to be placed throughout the night. Ginger is lightly chewed. It is worth trying rinsing with chamomile and sage infusions. Cocktails that contain cloves, honey or horseradish have worked well.

As you can see, there are a lot of remedies for treating the throat. Here you will find lollipops, aerosols, and rinsing solutions. Nothing prevents you from supplementing this set with proven folk remedies. All this should be done under control, since not all medicinal components are compatible with each other. And the factor of individual intolerance should be taken into account. So the first priority is going to the clinic.

General principles of treatment

Therapy for a sore throat includes several techniques, the use of which is advisable in each specific case, as well as the condition of the inflamed tissues of the larynx.

The following are general treatment principles that are recommended to eliminate signs of inflammation in the throat:

• taking medications with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties;
• lubricating the laryngeal mucosa with antiseptic solutions;
• gargling;

• applying warm compresses and mustard plasters to the front wall of the neck;
• taking mineral and vitamin complexes that support the protective function of the immune system;
• inhalation with a nebulizer;
• drinking warm decoctions of medicinal herbs, which are obtained on the basis of traditional medicine recipes;
• massage of the upper chest and neck;
• rubbing the skin surface of the larynx with warming ointments.

For pathogenic infections, it is advisable to use antibacterial agents with injection and tablet administration. Each of the listed methods for treating sore throat can be used as an independent type of therapy, or used in combination with other methods.