Sore and irritated throat – a common problem at this time of year

Changing weather during the autumn months often leads to a decline in the body’s immunity and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. The most common issue patients face is a sore and inflamed throat, prompting them to seek help at pharmacies. When providing advice, it is essential to follow guidelines and recognize other diseases and conditions where a sore throat may be just one of the symptoms.

Indications associated with a sore throat typically include laryngitis, pharyngitis (acute pharyngitis), and tonsillopharyngitis (acute infection of the throat and/or tonsils). Each of these conditions is accompanied by various symptoms, such as voice changes, red and irritated throat, difficulty swallowing, a burning sensation while swallowing, and fever.

Pharmacists can use different symptoms to identify the cause and provide appropriate advice to patients.

Virus or Bacteria as the Cause of a Sore Throat?

The most common causes of a sore throat are viruses (adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, and influenza virus), while bacterial sore throats (most commonly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A) occur in a smaller number of cases. Respiratory infections account for one in five visits to doctors each year, with this number significantly increasing during the winter months (70% of doctor visits). Another concerning fact is that respiratory infections are responsible for 75% of the world’s antibiotic consumption in developed countries. The role of pharmacists is crucial in rationalizing antibiotic use, which is often prescribed at the insistence of patients. With proper counseling, pharmacists can influence a patient’s decision to see a doctor, contribute to the rationalization of healthcare costs, and, most importantly, reduce the development of antibiotic resistance, which is increasingly common due to misuse.

To identify patients with viral infections, four questions should be asked (according to ISKRA guidelines):

1. Does the patient have a temperature above 38 °C?
2. Is there exudate on the tonsils?
3. Are the lymph nodes in the neck painful and swollen?
4. Is the patient absent of cough and catarrhal symptoms?

If the majority of the answers to these questions are negative, the pharmacist will provide counseling and recommend symptomatic therapy.

Plants as Allies in Symptomatic Treatment of Sore Throat!

Preparations containing plant extracts are available in the form of syrups, lozenges, and throat sprays, which can be very helpful in self-treatment advice.

When advising patients about syrup usage, it’s important to determine the type and severity of cough. Depending on the issue, the pharmacist may recommend primrose syrup for mucus expectoration or plantain and Icelandic moss syrup for coating the mucosa and preventing dry irritating cough.

It is certainly advisable to recommend additional lozenges to patients for enhanced relief.

Herbal extracts commonly found in lozenges include sage, whose active substances (essential oils, tannins, and bitter compounds) exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent effects. Extracts from Icelandic lichen will also coat the inflamed mucosa with their active compounds and have antibacterial effects, while plantain syrup helps in the breakdown and expulsion of mucus.

Green Propolis – The Power of Phenolic Acids

Preparations containing propolis are traditionally used to treat sore throats. Green propolis is a product that bees gather from the Brazilian plant Baccharis dracunculifolia, which grows in the Amazon region, where there is no risk of contamination or pesticide treatment. The products are completely “pure,” free of PAHs and pollution.

Due to different geographical origins, there is also a significant difference in chemical composition. Green propolis has more phenolic acids than European varieties, particularly artepillin C, which have stronger antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, providing quicker and more effective relief for sore throats.

When addressing a sore throat, it is advisable to opt for combined preparations that help prevent further infection development while also coating and healing the irritated mucosa.

In addition to advising patients on preparations that will alleviate their current symptoms and prevent further disease progression, it is essential to emphasize the need for increased hydration, rest, and avoidance of harmful lifestyle habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption.