Treatment options

Most sore throats, while uncomfortable, are short-lived and will usually resolve within a week. As with any minor ailment, there is much that sufferers can do themselves to relieve their symptoms. And there are many OTC products available that may also help.  

OTC products

1. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease discomfort and reduce a fever.
2. Local analgesics – for example, flurbiprofen lozenges (e.g. Strefen Lozenges) and products containing benzydamine for gargling or rinsing (e.g. Difflam), can help to ease a sore throat. 
3. Aspirin dissolved in water and used as a gargle is also popular, but can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, and is not recommended in many circumstances so check with the pharmacist if anyone asks about this. 
4. Pastilles and lozenges usually contain soothing ingredients like lemon and honey and can help relieve irritation and stop the throat feeling dry. Examples include Difflam, Strepsils Honey and Lemon. 
5. Antiseptic lozenges containing ingredients such as benzlkonium, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, hexylrescorcinol and tyrothricin help to fight any bacteria that may be present, e.g. Beechams Sore Throat Lozenges or Tyrozets. 
6. Local anaesthetics such as benzocaine in the form of lozenges and throat sprays can help to ease pain and difficulty swallowing. They should not be used for more than five days. Examples: Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray. A local anaesthetic can also be combined with an antiseptic to fight infection and help numb the pain at the same time, e.g. Covonia Throat Spray.