Though the sore throat lozenges provide relief, their mechanism of action remains a mystery. After all, the inflammatory process in the throat does not take place on the surface of the mucosa, but inside the cells it is made of. So how do lozenges work and why do they eliminate a sore throat?
Sore throat lozengescontain substances that only little (or not at all) penetrate into the cells of the pharyngeal mucosa and it has no therapeutic significance. It would seem, then, that the only positive effect of sucking the pills is increased salivation, which makes the throat more moisturized.
ImportantLozenges can help if you start taking them before an infection develops, i.e. at the first symptoms, such as a scratchy throat.
Sucking pills before visiting a doctor can change the appearance of the mucosa and make it difficult to make a proper diagnosis.
How do lozenges work for a sore throat?
In fact, however, the effect of the lozenges is wider. Most of the tablets relieve a sore throat, but some also kill gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans (septolete, halset, sebidin plus). Others additionally alleviate the symptoms of dry cough and reduce congestion of the mucosa (olbas, bronchicum). They are all anti-inflammatory, making it easier to swallow. They also disinfect the oral cavity, which is why they are also recommended for gingivitis and bad breath associated with periodontal diseases.
Sore throat lozenges: precautions
» Most lozenges can be given to children, but always check the leaflet for this.» Pregnant and lactating women should contact their doctor before taking any medications. »One of the enzymes in lozenges is lysozyme. People allergic to chicken protein should avoid such drugs.» It is a mistake to suck tablets containing antibiotics (usually batitracin or tyrothricin), which can lead to immunity to them. »Some throat medications can make the tongue feel dull (it is then unnaturally stiff) or stain the teeth.