From the Guidelines
Viral pharyngitis should be managed with symptom relief measures, as antibiotics are not effective against viral infections and may have adverse effects 1. The primary goal is to alleviate symptoms and support the body's natural recovery process. Key measures include:
- Resting and staying hydrated to help the immune system fight off the virus
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and discomfort
- Gargling with warm salt water several times a day to soothe the throat
- Using throat lozenges or hard candy to reduce irritation
- Trying honey or warm tea with honey for cough and sore throat relief It is essential to note that antibiotics are only recommended for confirmed bacterial infections, such as group A streptococcal pharyngitis, and should not be prescribed for viral pharyngitis due to the risk of adverse effects and antibiotic resistance 1. In cases where symptoms persist or worsen, a healthcare provider should be consulted to rule out bacterial infection or other complications, and to determine the best course of treatment 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Viral Pharyngitis
The treatment for viral pharyngitis typically focuses on relieving symptoms, as antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Some treatment options include:
- Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory sprays, such as flurbiprofen 8.75 mg spray, which have been shown to provide rapid and long-lasting relief from sore throat symptoms 2, 3
- Locally delivered flurbiprofen 8.75 mg, which has been demonstrated to be effective in treating and preventing sore throat symptoms 3
- Ectoine lozenges, which have been found to be effective in relieving moderate-to-severe symptoms of acute viral pharyngitis 4
- Salvia officinalis spray, which has been shown to provide symptomatic relief for patients with acute pharyngitis 5
Key Findings
Some key findings from the studies include:
- Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg spray was found to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing throat soreness and other sore throat symptoms 2
- Locally delivered flurbiprofen 8.75 mg was well-tolerated and provided early onset and long-lasting symptomatic relief from throat pain and soreness 3
- Ectoine lozenges were found to be significantly superior to hyaluronic acid lozenges and hypertonic saline gargle in relieving symptoms of acute viral pharyngitis 4
- Salvia officinalis spray was found to be significantly superior to placebo in reducing throat pain intensity 5
Considerations
It's worth noting that: