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In an interview, the pharmacist explains what really helps with a sore throat

2023-01-13T19:50:34.422Z


What to do with a sore throat Pharmacist explains: By relieving symptoms, “the immune system can work better” Created: 01/13/2023, 20:30 By: Juliane Gutmann When your throat is really scratchy, a cold is often on the way. pharmacist dr Armin Hoffmann explains how you can now optimally support your body. Runny nose, cough, sore throat: the typical symptoms of a cold. Usually there is a viral in


What to do with a sore throat

Pharmacist explains: By relieving symptoms, “the immune system can work better”

Created: 01/13/2023, 20:30

By: Juliane Gutmann

When your throat is really scratchy, a cold is often on the way.

pharmacist dr

Armin Hoffmann explains how you can now optimally support your body.

Runny nose, cough, sore throat: the typical symptoms of a cold.

Usually there is a viral infection behind it - which the body can usually cure without any problems.

In the pharmacy and drugstore you will find all sorts of remedies that are supposed to alleviate the symptoms.

But the consumer organization Stiftung Warentest came to sobering results in a test.

Of 26 drugs tested that are said to have an effect on sore throats, only four were classified as suitable.

According to the experts, most of the preparations are “unsuitable”.

Largely because the therapeutic effectiveness has not been sufficiently proven.

In the case of four "Dobendan Direct" drugs, the examiners from Stiftung Warentest write: "The agent can damage the oral mucosa".

You can read the full test results from Stiftung Warentest here.

So, should one do without drugs altogether and rely on the self-healing powers of one's own body?

A sore throat should see a doctor if it lasts longer than three days and gets worse.

© Imago

Don't miss anything: You can find everything to do with health and well-being in the regular health newsletter from our partner Merkur.de

Treating a sore throat: alleviating symptoms and de-stressing the body

“Most of the time, a cold is a viral disease.

The body has to fight the virus.

So you should put the body in a position where it can fight the virus well," says Dr.

Armin Hoffmann, board member of the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists e.

V. and President of the North Rhine Chamber of Pharmacists, in an interview with IPPEN.MEDIA.

According to Hoffmann, a good general condition leads to surviving the cold more quickly.

dr

Armin Hoffmann, ABDA board member © Martin Jehnichen/ABDA

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"By alleviating the symptoms, the body is more rested and the immune system can work better than when you are sick," says the pharmacist.

By combating the symptoms, healing is also faster.

But what is the best way to treat a sore throat?

“I recommend keeping your throat wet at all times”

"I recommend keeping your throat moist by drinking and lozenges," advises Armin Hoffmann.

In the case of slight pain, even an ordinary candy can have a beneficial effect, Stiftung Warentest suggests.

For more severe pain, there are medications with anesthetic and disinfecting active ingredients, such as lozenges with the active ingredient flurbiprofen.

Some preparations are advertised because of their antiseptic effect, i.e. their pathogen-killing effect.

However, according to Stiftung Warentest, these are not of sufficient benefit when you have a cold: “Sore throats are usually caused by viruses, against which antiseptics are only partially or not at all effective,” according to the consumer organization.

Translated, this means: You can save the costs for such preparations.

Pharmacist Hoffmann uses lozenges that numb the pain when he himself has a sore throat: “They soothe the throat and the irritated mucous membrane.

Less irritation in the body accelerates healing, and a light local anesthetic is beneficial here,” said the expert in an interview.

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Dose medication for sore throat carefully

Pain in the throat is usually due to a viral disease.

In this case, antibiotics are useless because they only show effects against bacteria.

But a bacterial infection can follow a viral infection.

Especially when the body is weak.

“Then bacteria are more likely to break through.

The consequence: a viral infection turns into a bacterial sore throat," says Hoffmann.

If you have a persistent sore throat, possibly with a fever, you should seek medical advice, as antibiotics may be necessary.

At the same time, it is advisable to drink a lot, but avoid milk and sweetened drinks because they are breeding grounds for bacteria.

Despite the positive effects of medicines, pharmacist Armin Hoffmann advocates the conscientious use of medicines: “You should be careful with medicines.

It is good to get advice on over-the-counter medicines from your doctor's practice or trusted pharmacy.

Some active substances can – in certain patients and possibly also in combination with other preparations – cause damage”.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.

Source: merkur

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