Synonyms
Cold, hoarseness, sore throat, throat painSore throat – a symptom with many possible causes. In most cases, it is a simple viral infection, for which, in the truest sense of the word, only waiting and drinking tea will help. The infections can be in different places, for example tonsillitis, pharyngitis or laryngitis.
These infections are harmless and usually subside within a week without special treatment. You can find out how long sore throats can sometimes last in our Artiel Duration of sore throats – what is normal? In most cases, only symptomatic treatment of sore throats is indicated.
It consists on the one hand in a constant cooling (e.g. eating ice cream), but also in warming the neck from the outside (scarf). In addition, a lot of rest and little physical exertion is important, because the body needs its energy especially to fight pathogens. Gargle solutions, lozenges or cough drops or throat sprays from the pharmacy can be used to relieve pain.
Cold teas like sage tea or hot milk with honey can also be helpful. It is also important to drink enough fluids (at least two liters per day). Inhaling saltwater vapours has an expectorant effect.
If the sore throat does not disappear or return on its own or if high fever (>38.5°C) develops, a visit to a doctor is recommended. Because in addition to the banal infections, there are also serious illnesses that require medication or professional medical treatment. These diseases include scarlet fever, bacterial purulent tonsillitis, Pfeiffer’s glandular fever and almond abscesses. You can learn more about this topic here:
- Home remedy for sore throat
- Sprays against sore throat
Medication therapy for sore throat
If it is an inflammation caused by streptococci, antibiotic-containing drugs should be administered. For diagnosis, a throat swab is examined for streptococci. If an existing bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics (e.g. penicillin) can be given if symptoms worsen.
If a streptococcal infection returns even after drug treatment, penicillin V or a first-generation cephalosporin should be given for 10 days. In addition, an attempt at therapy with amoxicillin or erythromycin can also be made. Normally, however, antibiotic therapy can be dispensed with and an intake of paracetamol or ibuprofen three times a day for a period of 2-3 days is recommended.
Locastad® can be given for the symptomatic treatment of sore throat. Compared to earlier years, the removal of the tonsils in cases of repeated tonsillitis has become somewhat more restrained today. Today there are clear criteria that justify the removal of the tonsils.
If more than 7 streptococcal infections are reported in the previous year, more than 5 streptococcal infections per year in the last two years or more than 3 streptococcal infections in the last three years, a tonsillectomy should be considered. For the symptomatic treatment of sore throat, which does not treat the causes but only the acute pain, numerous over-the-counter drugs can be purchased in the pharmacy, which have the mechanism of action of local anesthetics and contribute to pain relief. These drugs include Dorithricin ® or Lemocin ®.
For the symptomatic treatment of sore throat, which does not treat the causes but only the acute pain, numerous over-the-counter drugs can be purchased in the pharmacy, which have the mechanism of action of local anesthetics and contribute to pain relief. These drugs include Dorithricin ® or Lemocin ®. Medicines in pregnancy are – especially since the thalidomide disaster – an important topic that should not be underestimated.
Many medications have been proven to be harmful to the fruit. Generally problematic are certain drugs for the permanent treatment of high blood pressure, epilepsy, anticoagulants, psychotropic drugs, strong painkillers or sedatives and rheumatism therapeutics. Retinoids, thalidomide (Contergan®) and mycophenolate mofetil are considered particularly teratogenic (damaging to the fruit).Nevertheless, in almost all areas there are alternative drugs that can be taken without major risks.
On the subject of sore throats, it can be said that they can be treated symptomatically with simple means. This includes drinking a lot, preferably sage tea, as this has a soothing effect. Steam inhalations for the nose and sinuses have an expectorant effect without endangering the baby.
Saline solutions/sea salt nasal sprays or nasal sprays in the dosage for babies are permitted for colds. Gargling solutions, cough drops or throat sprays as well as hot milk with honey can help to improve the pain and are absolutely harmless. In case of severe pain or high fever, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken until the 28th week of pregnancy. If the symptoms do not improve after a few days or if a fever develops, a visit to the gynecologist is recommended. In this case, the gynecologist knows better than the family doctor or ENT physician which medications can be taken.
