Treatment of pharyngitis, inflammation of the nasopharynx: Drugs, lozenges and antibiotics

The mainstay of treatment for acute pharyngitis is bed rest for at least 2 to 3 days and plenty of fluids. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in pharmacological treatment.

In the case of uncomplicated acute pharyngitis, it is advisable to use sucking lozenges containing an anaesthetic, analgesic and topical antimicrobial.

Treatment of pharyngitis — For successful treatment, you need to give yourself rest and drink plenty of fluids. Source: Getty Images

The following throat scratchers are available in pharmacies (table)

Medication	Effects
Tyrothricin Benzalkonium chloride Benzocaine	relieves pain kills many types of bacteria and some types of yeast
Benzydamine	anti-inflammatory effect disinfectant effect pain reliever
Flurbiprofen	relieves pain and swelling in the throat anti-inflammatory effect

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For a patient suffering from viral pharyngitis, symptomatic treatment is preferred. The main goals of symptomatic treatment for viral pharyngitis include pain relief and improvement in diet and fluid intake.

If the cause of the disease is a streptococcus, the drug of choice is penicillin at a sufficient dose and for 7 to 10 days. Such treatment is effective because the resistance of streptococci to it is very low even today.

Administration of penicillin is also an effective preventive measure against the development of complications such as rheumatic fever or acute pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).

If the disease is due to a mechanical cause, the basic therapeutic measure is to eliminate it. In most cases, this is:

stop smoking and drinking alcohol
not drinking carbonated drinks
avoiding triggers and allergens
removal of polyps (if necessary, correction of nasal obstruction)

If the triggering factor cannot be confirmed with certainty, the treatment of pharyngitis is only symptomatic. Treatment consists of intake of sufficient fluids and elimination of potential irritants.

Sometimes chewing gum is also helpful. Chewing gum is known to aid the production of saliva. As a result, the mucous membranes are moistened.

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PharmDr. Štefánia Laca Megyesi, PhD., MSc.

Doctor of Pharmacy

I graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice. After graduation I stayed working at the University. Until 2019, I was leading practical exercises in the subject of Drug Technology. I was mainly engaged in the preparation of individually prepared medicines in pharmacies. During my time there, I wanted to keep learning. In 2016, I defended my rigorous thesis at the Veterinary and Pharmaceutical University in Brno. By completing the rigorous procedure I gained knowledge in the field of laws related to pharmacy and medicine. In 2017, I completed my MHA studies at St. Elizabeth's College of Health and Social Work. By studying, I gained knowledge in the field of public health. In 2021 I completed my PhD studies (specialization in parasitic diseases) at the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice. The desire to learn new things and new knowledge led me to become a co-founder of the dermatovenerology outpatient clinic. And why can I give you information from the medical and pharmaceutical field? I like to learn and get to know new things. I have focused all my studies and scientific research on skin diseases. I have also gained knowledge in the field of parasitic diseases. Writing is one of my hobbies and a kind of relaxation.

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