A study published recently in the British Medical Journal raises doubts about the advice patients receive when they complain of colds or sore throats. Apart from some exceptions, it questions the wisdom of treating these conditions with ibuprofen and suggests steam inhalation does not help either. Show Researchers from the University of Southampton in the UK carried out a trial with 889 primary care patients aged 3 and over with acute respiratory tract infections (colds and sore throats). The patients were randomly advised to take either paracetamol, ibuprofen, or both, with and without steam inhalation. The researchers then assessed symptom severity on days 2-4, plus temperature and antibiotic use, and they noted whether patients sought reconsultations. The results showed that compared with paracetamol, ibuprofen or ibuprofen and paracetamol combined offered no advantage on the whole to patients with colds or sore throats. They also showed the patients derived no benefit from steam inhalation. Study leader Paul Little, professor of Primary Care Research in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton, says: “Paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both are the most common courses of treatment for respiratory tract infections.” But following their findings, he says:
However, he says ibuprofen does appear to help children and those with chest infections. Regarding steam inhalation, which is often advised as a treatment for respiratory tract infection, he also adds: “Clinicians should probably not advise patients to use steam inhalation in daily practice as it does not provide symptomatic benefit for acute respiratory infections and a few individuals are likely to experience mild thermal injury.” The trial results suggest around 1 in 50 patients who use steam inhalation to alleviate symptoms of colds and sore throats may suffer mild scalding – but not serious enough to see the doctor. Share on PinterestResearchers suggest that ibuprofen interferes with the immune response, prolonging cold symptoms.The study also found that patients advised to take ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol were more likely to return within a month with unresolved symptoms or new complications, compared with patients advised to take only paracetamol. Between 50-70% more of the participants who took ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol came back. Prof. Little says he was surprised by the results and suggests that treatment with ibuprofen appears to contribute to the progression of the illness. Although he and his colleagues did not investigate the underlying reason, he speculates it may have something to do with the fact ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory:
Funds from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) helped finance the study. In another study published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine, US researchers describe how they created a home test for strep throat that could eliminate doctor’s visits for sore throat. Cough drops and OTC throat sprays: Here, it’s a matter of, “Do whatever works for you,” Stead says. Look for throat lozenges and sprays that contain ingredients such as benzocaine, dyclonine, or phenol—which can numb the areas they come in contact with—or menthol, which creates a cooling sensation. These won’t work for as long as OTC pain pills may, Stead says, although drops may last longer than sprays because they remain in your mouth while you suck on them. It’s generally fine, she notes, to use a lozenge or spray along with an OTC pain pill. Food, drinks, and more: While the home remedies touted for sore throat aren’t generally supported by much research, it’s fine to use them if they reduce your discomfort, especially if swallowing is painful. Eating or sucking on cold items, such as ice pops, ice, or frozen yogurt, can help to numb the throat slightly, making swallowing easier. And hot liquids like tea or soup may be easier to swallow for some people than room temperature beverages. Gargling with salt water may also ease pain for some. And a spoonful of honey or piece of hard candy, which can coat the throat, may temporarily dampen pain (though neither should be given to children under 1 year of age). Scientists have demonstrated a few strategies that won’t work: A 2017 study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that neither chewing gum containing the sugar substitute xylitol nor a probiotic supplement had any effect on throat pain. And herbs or dietary supplements for cold symptoms such as a sore throat aren't very effective, and pose other problems, such as potential side effects. (See our rundown here.) Will ibuprofen help sore throat?The following measures can often help soothe a sore throat: take ibuprofen or paracetamol – paracetamol is better for children and for people who can't take ibuprofen (note that children under 16 should never take aspirin) drink plenty of cool or warm fluids, and avoid very hot drinks.
How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?Lifestyle and home remedies. Rest. Get plenty of sleep. ... . Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. ... . Try comforting foods and beverage. ... . Gargle with saltwater. ... . Humidify the air. ... . Consider lozenges or hard candy. ... . Avoid irritants. ... . Stay at home until you're no longer sick.. Which pain reliever is best for a sore throat?Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can take the edge off many cold symptoms, including your sore throat.
Does ibuprofen help strep throat?Rest, drink fluids, eat soft foods and take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to help ease symptoms.
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Does ibuprofen work for a sore throat
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