‘Paracetamol the best cure for sore throat’

The study gave half its participants 1,000mg of paracetamol " about the same as two tablets " and the other half a placebo, before showing them a series of very pleasant and very disturbing photographs.

The study gave half its participants 1,000mg of paracetamol " about the same as two tablets " and the other half a placebo, before showing them a series of very pleasant and very disturbing photographs.

Published Nov 12, 2013

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London - Inhaling steam is a favourite way to treat a sore throat. But doctors say you’re better off with a dose of paracetamol.

And you’ll avoid scalding yourself – unlike one in 50 of those who try steaming.

A study suggests paracetamol, contained in over-the-counter remedies, is superior to ibuprofen, or a combination of both drugs.

Professor Paul Little said the two drugs are the most common courses of treatment for respiratory tract infections. But he warned: “Routinely advising ibuprofen or ibuprofen and paracetamol together than just paracetamol is not likely to be effective. However our research has shown that ibuprofen is likely to help children, and those with chest infections.”

The trial, by the University of Southampton, recruited 899 patients with sore throats, runny noses or coughs. They received different treatment – paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both. Patients were told to either take it as needed or four times a day and some were also told to try steam inhalation. They were more likely to come back within a month with worsening symptoms or new symptoms if they were prescribed with ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol.

Between 50 percent and 70 percent who were prescribed ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol came back, says a report in the British Medical Journal.

Ibuprofen blocks the production of various chemicals in the body while paracetamol blocks a different enzyme in the brain and spinal cord involved in the transmission of pain.

Professor Little said the findings may mean that ibuprofen prolongs the illness. He added: “It is possible that the drug is interfering with an important part of the immune response and leads to prolonged symptoms or the progression of symptoms.” - Daily Mail

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