HealthHighlight

Paracetamol better than antibiotics for sore throat cure says UK health agency

409

By Nicky Broyd

Next time you see the doctor about a sore throat they’ll probably say it needs treating not with prescribed antibiotics but simple over-the-counter paracetamol.

Evidence reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) led them to conclude painful throats, including tonsillitis and pharyngitis, are often triggered by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract and will get better without the need for antibiotics.

Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive at NICE, says in a statement: “We are living in a world where bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. It is vital these medicines are protected, and only used when they are effective.”

Most  sore throats are triggered by a virus, and get better without antibiotics after around a week. However, despite this, research suggests antibiotics are prescribed in 60% of cases and only shortened the duration of symptoms by about 16 hours over 7 days.

Self-care

Instead of antibiotics NICE recommends paracetamol, or ibuprofen, for pain relief and fever, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest.

It says adults can try medicated lozenges, but these only reduce pain by a small amount, and no evidence has been found for the use of non-medicated lozenges, mouthwashes, or local anaesthetic mouth sprays (without an antiseptic) used on their own.

Exceptions

The NICE guideline says people who have a sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria are more likely to benefit from antibiotics and they are necessary in cases where people are very unwell, have signs of a more serious illness, or are at high-risk of complications.

Professor Leng says: “The evidence shows antibiotics are not an effective treatment for the majority of sore throats. People who need them should be given them, and our advice will support those decisions. But it is clear that routine prescribing in all cases isn’t appropriate.”

This article has been Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sheena Meredith

Dr Sheena Meredith trained at the Medical College of Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and gained her medical degree from London University.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

The Federal Government has taken swift action against bullying in Federal Government...

Edo Gov. Okpebholo appoints Oshimhole’s son commissioner, SSG, AG, others

The new governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has announced Mr....

Rodri Brushes Off Vinicius, Real Madrid at Ballon d’Or ceremony

Recently crowned 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has downplayed the absence of...

Super Eagles Land in Abidjan, Gear Up for Benin Republic Clash

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has arrived in Abidjan,...

Nigeria signs $1.2bln deal with CNCEC to revive aluminium smelter

Nigeria has taken a significant step towards reviving its dormant aluminium smelter...

VP Shettima Arrives in Benin City for Edo Governor’s Inauguration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Benin City, Edo State capital,...

Breaking: Powerful explosion rocks Jos, many people feared dead

A devastating explosion shook the city of Jos on Tuesday morning, sending...

NNPC Ltd. boss, Mele Kyari, thrashes allegation of sabotaging Dangote Refinery as baseless

Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National...

Infanticide: US places $25,000 bounty on fleeing Nigerian parent

The United States of America has offered a $25,000 reward for anyone...

Tinubu, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, others extol Pastor Tunde Bakare at 70

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, is a...

NNPC Ltd. Unveils Plan to Resolve Nigeria’s Energy Trilemma

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) Group CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari,...

Breaking: IPMAN Secures Direct Supply Deal with Dangote Refinery, Promises Steady, Affordable Fuel Nationwide

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced a landmark...

“Operation Sweep”, FCT demolition squad, faces backlash from residents, Wike reacts

The recent demolition exercise by “Operation Sweep”, a task force set up...

Nov. 16 Ondo guber poll: Sensitive election materials arrive

Ahead of the Saturday, October 16 governorship poll in Ondo State, sensitive...

China’s imports from Nigeria soar to $15.1bln, 36.1% increase

China’s imports from Nigeria have reached an all-time high of $15.1 billion...

Vandals destroy TCN towers, disrupt power supply in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a fresh attack on...

Amid opposition, Kano Rep. Jibrin promises to push Tinubu’s tax reform bills through in NASS

In spite of growing opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform...

FCT Police bust notorious car theft syndicate, arrest suspect, recover 3 vehicles

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police has confirmed the arrest of a...

Osimhen’s Brace Powers Galatasaray to 3-2 Win Over Samsunspor

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen led Galatasaray to a thrilling 3-2 victory over...

Amotekun, Vigilante groups barred from Ondo gov. election – IGP Egbetokun

The Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has banned Amotekun, Vigilante Groups, and...