SORE THROAT

• Throat

  Known as pharynx
• Pharynx

  • Common passageway connecting to mouth and nose
  • Extends from end of nasal cavity to larynx
  • Lined with mucous membrane
• Regions of pharynx

  • Nasopharynx
  • Oropharynx
  • Laryngopharynx
• Functions of pharynx

  • Carries air to respiratory system
  • Delivers food and liquid to the digestive system
  • Pushes food into the esophagus so it is not breathed in
  • Equalizes pressure in the ears and drains fluid from the ears
• Pathophysiology of sore throat

  • Inflammation of the throat, usually caused by viral/bacteria infection, irritants or allergens
  • Results in pain and a sensation of scratchiness of the throat as well as difficulty swallowing
• Symptoms of sore throat

  • Painful throat esp when swallowing
  • Dry scratchy throat, hoarse voice
  • Redness in the back of the mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Mild cough
  • Swollen neck glands
• Dequalinium

  Antiseptic that increases bacterial cell permeability and reduces enzymatic activity, thus causing cell death
• Dequalinium

  • Side effects: relatively safe, no significant side effect, maybe mouth discomfort
• Counselling points for dequalinium


  • Dissolve slowly in mouth, do not chew
  • Do not take more than 8 lozenges in a day
  • If throat is better, you may stop the medication
• Benzydamine


  NSAID that inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines to reduce local pain and inflammation, also has local anaesthetic activity
• Benzydamine


  • Multiple dosage forms: lozenges, solution for gargle, throat spray
  • Lozenges: 1 lozenge every 1 to 2 hrs, max 12 lozenges daily, do not excess 7 consecutive days of therapy
  • Throat spray: 2 to 4 sprays of 0.3 percent solution OR 4 to 8 sprays of 0.15 percent solution every 1.5 to 3 hrs until symptoms resolve
• Counselling points for benzydamine lozenges

  • Dissolve slowly in the mouth, do not chew
  • Do not take more than 12 lozenges in a day
  • Do not exceed 7 consecutive days of therapy
  • If throat is better, you may stop the medication
  • If you experience any allergy reaction like rash or swelling please stop the medication and see the doctor immediately
• Counselling points for benzydamine throat spray


  • Spray directly onto sore/inflamed area and swallow gently
  • If you experience any allergy reaction like rash or swelling please stop the medication and see the doctor immediately
• Serratiopeptidase MOA

  Proteolytic enzyme with high enzyme activities and anti inflammatory properties
• Serratiopeptidase

  • Side effects: relatively safe, mainly GI side effects like diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
• Counselling points for serratiopeptidase

  Take with a glass of water, swallow without chewing
• Lysozyme

  Natural enzyme derived from egg white with anti inflammatory and mucolytic properties to reduce inflammation in sore throats and dissolve phlegm in chesty cough
• Lysozyme

  
  

  • Forensic class: OTC
  • Multiple dosage forms: talet, syrup, lozenges
  • Side effects: relatively safe, mainly GI side effects like diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
• Counselling points for lysozyme

  Take with a glass of water, take with or without food
• Non-pharmacological advice

  • Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, esp after using toilet, before eating, after sneezing/coughing
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if hand washing is not possible
  • Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or utensils esp with someone with sore throat
  • Regularly clean telephones, TV remotes and computer keyboards with sanitising cleanser
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick