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Sore Throat? Ditch Costly Cures for Simple Relief
27 Nov
Summary
- Expensive sore throat products may be unnecessary and ineffective.
- Simple home remedies and basic painkillers can provide relief.
- Antiseptic sprays lack strong evidence for effectiveness alone.
Many common sore throat remedies may be a waste of money, according to consumer experts. Medicated lozenges and antiseptic sprays, often costly, are highlighted as potentially unnecessary. Professor Nirmal Kumar, an ENT surgeon, suggests that simple home remedies and readily available painkillers can be equally effective in soothing throat pain.
While most sore throats, typically caused by viral infections, will improve naturally within about a week, the focus should be on symptom relief. For bacterial infections, or if symptoms worsen or persist, consulting a General Practitioner is recommended for targeted treatment. Antiseptic sprays, in particular, have limited evidence of efficacy when used independently.
Preventing the spread of sore throats involves good hygiene practices. Thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial, especially after coughing or sneezing. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an alternative if soap and water are unavailable. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and disposing of it promptly also helps minimize transmission.
