Sore throat Flashcards
Define sore throat and causes
- 90% will be caused by viral infections, so antibiotic treatment is unnecessary
- majority of these infections are self-limiting
- usually associated with a cold, catarrh or cough, sometimes a fever with general aches and pains
Treatment timescale of sore throat
with treatment should resolve within 7 days
Symptoms of sore throat
dry throat
symptoms of cold or flu: runny nose, headache, muscle aches, cough
referral criteria for sore throat
- long duration of 1 week or more
- ADRs (angranulocytosis) - especially if taking carbimazole for hyperthyroidism
- unable to swallow/dysphagia (tonsillitis)
- white exudate on tonsils
- failed medication
- recurrent infection
- refer if extremely painful, have hoarseness (>3weeks), glandular fever, oral thrush
lifestyle advice for sore throat
water intake, gargle water with salt
maintain fluids
smoking can make it worse
Types of treatment for sore throat
Which is first line?
Oral analgesics (first line)
Pastilles, lozenges
local anaesthetics
antiseptic lozenges
Strepsils
ingredients
directions
populations
Glycerin, honey
6yrs+ 1 lozenge dissolved slowly in mouth every 2-3 hours
maximum 12 in 24 hours
Fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Merocaine for sore throat
what is it?
API
Ultra chloraseptic anaesthetic throat spray
Local anaesthetics benzocaine and lidocaine
Merocaine - how does it work?
Warnings
Numbs the tongue and throat to ease soreness and pain Not to be used for more than 5 days Lozenges not for elderly or under 12yrs Sprays not for under 6yrs Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Beechams max
What are they?
API
Antiseptic lozenges
Benzalkonium
Beechams max
directions
Populations
1 lozenges dissolved slowly in the mouth every 3 hours PRN
Max for adults: 8 in 24 hours
>7yrs only
Fine for pregnant and breastfeeding wome n
Difflam spray
API
Warnings
APO= Benzydamine
Do not use if patient is sensitive to NSAIDs
Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding
