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updated on
Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
In case of a swollen and painful throat, some people are used to rushing to cortisone, which is supposed to provide rapid relief. A very bad idea, however, as emergency physician Gérald Kierzek reminds us. Here’s why.
Is your throat becoming more and more painful, your lymph nodes are inflamed or are you losing your voice? In some homes, the solution seems ready: a cortisone tablet to deflate all this and soothe your symptoms… In reality, this is a bad idea: this reflex exposes you to a risk and must be avoided.
A real risk of infectious complications at stake
First of all, cortisone should only be taken on prescription and not as self-medication as may be the case.
But despite a recognized effect on pain, “these medications derived from cortisone (such as prednisone or the prednisolone) are not indicated in cases of classic sore throat linked to an upper respiratory tract infection”, warns Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Because cortisone exposes you to a risk: that of developing an infectious complication.
“Cortisone weakens the immune system. And if by chance your angina is not viral but bacterial, you simply risk an outbreak of the infection!”
The risk is also the same with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs), particularly ibuprofen and ketoprofen.. “We must be wary of it due to the risk of serious infectious complications.”
This is why your doctor generally prescribes paracetamol as a first-line treatment (unless contraindicated).”And that’s enough!” supports our expert.
What to do in case of angina or intense sore throat?
So what should we do when a sore throat occurs and makes us suffer? Beyond taking paracetamol, a consultation may be necessary. “We consult when sore throats persist for several days and are accompanied by a persistent fever. calls back the doctor. Today, the doctor or pharmacist can do what is called a TROD, a Rapid Diagnostic Orientation Test.
This involves taking a sample from the tonsils with a swab (a sort of large cotton swab), which is then placed in a tube which contains a reagent. A strip is immersed in this liquid. “Depending on the color this strip takes, the doctor knows whether or not the angina is due to group A streptococcus.
In 90% of cases, the result is viral and does not require antibiotics. If it tests positive for streptococcus, a prescription for antibiotics will follow.
What if your voice goes out?
For those who see cortisone as a miracle cure for voice extinction, our doctor reassures. There are simple solutions for a significant improvement.
1. Vocal rest: avoid speaking or whispering to protect the vocal cords;
2. Hydration: drink plenty of water to lubricate the throat;
3. Humidify the ambient air;
4. Avoid irritants (tobacco, alcohol, smoky environments);
5. Protect yourself from the cold and temperature variations;
6. Get enough rest.
Home solutions to soften your throat
If you have a sore throat, don’t panic or self-medicate. Opt for paracetamol for pain, (making sure to respect the dosage) associated with other reflexes.
“Natural remedies like honey or lemon can help you improve comfort. You can also use gargles, infusions, lozenges, a spray… all of this is also effective. Blowing your nose and cleaning regular nasal passages are also essential in cases of congestion (nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, etc.)”.
Gentle solutions that do not expose you to any complications and will quickly make this sore throat a distant memory.
Slide: Honey, thyme, propolis…10 natural remedies for sore throat