Table of contents:
- The use of lozenges
- How lozenges work
- Contents of effective lozenges
- Avoid lozenges that contain sugar
- Rules for consuming lozenges
- Are there any side effects of lozenges?
Sucking lozenges or throat lozenges can be one way of relieving a sore throat. Lozenge contains medicinal active ingredients that can get rid of discomfort due to a dry, sore, and itchy throat. However, you need to choose the right type of lozenges. How to consume it can not be arbitrary. This candy has the risk of causing side effects if consumed in excess.
The use of lozenges
Sore throat (pharyngitis) if not cured immediately can greatly interfere with your activities. Lozenges or lozenges are a non-prescription drug that can be an option to reduce sore throat.
How lozenges work
There is a reason why this laryngitis medicine is made in the form of a candy.
Lozenges that are inhaled in the mouth can stimulate the production of saliva or saliva. That way, saliva can work as a lubricant that moisturizes dry throat due to inflammation.
In addition, sucking on candy also activates the ingredients or medicinal contents in it. When inhaled, ingredients that have a soothing effect can be released around the mouth and throat, providing a warm sensation that relieves pain.
Contents of effective lozenges
There are many different types of lozenges and each has different ingredients. Choose a lozenge that contains the following active ingredients to treat your sore throat.
- Menthol
Menthol is a compound that can provide a temporary cooling and soothing effect on an inflamed throat.
Menthol is usually contained in natural ingredients such as mint leaves (peppermint) and eucalyptus (eucalyptus).
- Root licorice
Sweet root (licorice) contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help treat inflammation in the throat.
In addition to reducing sore throats, the content of this lozenges is also useful for reducing excess phlegm production in the throat.
- Amylmetacresol and be known
Amylmetacresol and is known to contain antiseptic drugs. At lozenges, these two ingredients are usually still in low doses.
This low dose antiseptic has the ability to kill the bacteria that cause sore throats.
Research in International Journal of Clinical Practice , prove that the candy or lozenges contain amylmetacresol and is known to be a safe treatment to help treat sore throats.
- Vitamin C
Sore throat is generally caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract. The content of vitamin C can help relieve inflammation caused by infections of the respiratory tract, such as colds or flu.
In the body, vitamin C can increase the body's defense system against viral or bacterial infections that cause sore throat
- Low-dose NSAIDs
If you consult a doctor to treat sore throat, the doctor may prescribe lozenges. Some doctor-prescribed lozenges may contain low doses of NSAID pain medications, such as benzydamine hydrochloride and flurbiprofen.
- Low-dose local anesthetic
Some doctor-prescribed lozenges may also contain low-dose local anesthetics such as lignocaine hydrochloride and benzocaine, for pain relief.
Avoid lozenges that contain sugar
There are a variety of ingredients in each lozenges. Even though it is formulated as an alternative to lozenges, the wrong choice of candy can have an impact on your health.
You need to look in more detail about the content contained in these candies. Some throat lozenges tend to have added sugar in them.
People with strep throat will inhale several lozenges a day to relieve their sore throat. Unfortunately, sugar can have an impact on tooth decay.
Bacteria in the mouth break down sugars and produce acids in the process. Acid can damage tooth enamel, which acts as a protective tooth.
If the teeth are in constant contact with sugar, it will certainly erode the tooth enamel due to the acid that is formed, thereby increasing the risk of cavities.
It's a good idea to choose candy with low or no sugar content. However, stick to candies that contain active ingredients to soothe the throat without damaging tooth enamel.
Rules for consuming lozenges
Lozenge can be taken as soon as someone starts experiencing sore throat symptoms, such as when the throat is itchy, sore or dry.
Unlike common medicines that are taken after or before a meal, you can suck on lozenges at any time.
Lozenges also do not have to be inhaled many times a day, you can consume them occasionally until the sore throat symptoms subside.
Lozenge is safest to consume every 2-3 hours. The safe dosage limit in a day can vary for each product, but the average ranges from 8-12 grains a day.
However, this lozenges should not be recommended for children under 5 years of age due to fear of swallowing and candy stuck in the throat.
Are there any side effects of lozenges?
The potential side effects of lozenges are minimal, as long as they are not consumed in excess. Many people don't experience any side effects.
Even if they appear, you will only experience mild side effects and quickly disappear a few moments after the last consumption.
However, if you experience any of the following symptoms after sucking lozenges, you should stop consuming them immediately or contact your doctor.
- Signs of an allergic skin reaction: rash, hives, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling, with or without fever.
- Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking
- An unusual hoarse voice
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Abnormal heartbeat, dizziness or severe headache
- Feeling tired or tired as if you were about to pass out
- Seizures
Keep in mind that lozenges are not a sore throat remedy. These candies only help reduce the symptoms of a sore throat you're experiencing, they don't really get rid of the cause of the sore throat.
If you want to heal a sore throat due to inflammation, you need to take medication according to the cause.
Sore throat caused by cold or flu viruses can be treated by drinking lots of fluids, gargling salt water or consuming honey. While those caused by bacterial infections require antibiotics for sore throat.