When swallowing really hurts

How do sore throats develop?

The mucous membranes of the mouth and throat are the first points of attack for a variety of pathogens that we come into contact with via the air we breathe. The pathogens settle on the mucous membranes and multiply quickly. This triggers an immune reaction that shows up as redness, pain, scratching and increased mucus production. 

A thin, moisture-giving layer of secretion on the mucous membranes serves, as part of the immune response, to prevent pathogens from successfully invading the mucous membranes. The body increases blood flow to the affected area, which leads to redness, but helps remove pathogens more quickly. The swollen mucosa presses on underlying nerve fibres, which we perceive as a sore throat. 

But not only germs can cause sore throats: long periods of speaking, singing, smoking, dry air in heated rooms or restricted nasal breathing due to a blocked nose can cause a scratchy throat and hoarseness because the protective mucus layer dries out.

How do throat lozenges work?

Throat lozenges (sucking tablets, lozenges) are allowed to dissolve slowly on the tongue to stimulate saliva production, moisten and thus reduce irritation of the oral mucosa and combat the acute inflammation.

Throat lozenges act directly and locally and relieve the pain where it occurs. Increased saliva production helps distribute the active ingredients particularly well and they reach the bloodstream via the fine vessels. By continuously swallowing, the irritated mucous membranes are repeatedly covered with the protective mucus and protected from renewed irritation. The active ingredients in the lozenges promote healing by inhibiting germ multiplication, dissolving tenacious mucus and relieving pain.

Which active ingredients do throat lozenges contain and how do they differ?

Lozenges often act only symptomatically and, depending on their mechanism, are divided into locally anaesthetising (local anaesthetic), germ-killing (antiseptic), antibiotic-acting and mucilaginous types. Local anaesthetic throat lozenges contain Lidocain or Benzocain, which provide rapid pain relief but can cause allergic reactions (particularly Benzocain). 

Antiseptic ingredients in germ-killing lozenges include Dequaliniumchlorid, Cetylpyridiniumchlorid, Hexamidin-diisethionat and Benzalkoniumchlorid. 

Why are antiseptic lozenges often not sufficient for viral throat infections?

These act only superficially against bacteria – similar to a disinfectant. They cannot reach the deeper, inflamed tissue layers. In addition, these antiseptics are powerless against viruses – and most throat inflammations are caused by viruses. 

Antibiotic lozenges contain the active ingredients Fusafungin or Tyrothricin, which inhibit the multiplication of bacteria but have no effect on viruses.

How do mucilaginous agents protect the irritated mucosa in the throat?

Mucilaginous agents act by depositing the plant-derived mucilage substances (polysaccharides) on the inflamed mucosa. In this way the mucosa is provided with a moisture-giving “protective coat”. This protects it efficiently from drying out and from irritation.

Irritation-free through the day: tips for effective use of throat lozenges

• Because lozenges can be taken easily without water, they are ideal for on the go and for people with swallowing difficulties. Please do not use lozenges at the same time as other medicines intended for application in the mouth and throat area.
• It is important to suck the lozenges slowly until they have completely dissolved, moving them around in the mouth. This distributes the hydrating protective film evenly over the mucosa. After use, you should neither eat nor drink for at least ten minutes.
• If you have accidentally swallowed a lozenge, drink a large glass of water.
• In acute sore throats, anaesthetic lozenges should not be taken for more than three to five days in a row, otherwise your body may get used to the painkillers. Consult your doctor if there is no improvement during this time.
• If you need to take lozenges at night, choose a sugar-free tablet to avoid damaging your teeth.
• For correct use, read the package leaflet and do not exceed the daily dose. If the pain between two lozenges is too strong, drink a warm beverage.
• Before going to bed it is advisable to use a throat spray to prevent a lozenge from being swallowed while lying down.
• It is important to drink two to three litres of warm water and tea with a little honey every day to loosen tenacious mucus in the throat. Honey also has an additional anti-inflammatory effect.
• The intake of antibiotic lozenges should only take place if this is expressly recommended by the doctor in the individual case.
• Local anaesthetic lozenges should not be taken by pregnant women as the active ingredients can harm the unborn child.
• If accompanying symptoms such as fever, very strong cough, shortness of breath, enlarged lymph nodes or extreme dizziness occur, see a doctor.

With these tips, acute throat and pharyngeal pain will have no chance!