Possible and sometimes surprising reasons for a sore throat

A sore throat can be a real nuisance, causing discomfort and making it difficult to eat, talk or swallow8. While we often associate sore throats with common colds or the flu, there are several surprising reasons you might experience this irritating symptom. 

Cepacol®, known for its sore throat lozenges and hot medication, explores some unexpected culprits behind sore throats and provides effective remedies to help you find relief.

Allergies

Did you know that allergies can cause a sore throat? Allergies can result in postnasal drip, where excessive mucus flows down the back of the nasal passage into the throat. This can cause a persistent and uncomfortable sore throat1a.

Mouth Breathing

Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose can result in a dry and sore throat. It can be caused by nasal congestion, excess mucus or habits like sleeping with your mouth open1b. 

Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux can irritate the throat and cause a sore throat7. Stomach acid travels back up into the oesophagus, irritating its lining. This irritation can lead to a sore throat7.  

Dry Air

Dry air, especially during the winter months or in arid climates, can strip the throat of moisture and lead to a sore throat2. 

Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones are small lumps of hardened material that can develop in the tonsils. They can cause an irritable cough, earache or a sore throat3.

Respiratory Infections

While colds and flu viruses are commonly associated with sore throats, bacterial infections such as group A strep, which causes strep throat, can also cause this symptom4.

How the Cepacol® Cough & Cold Range Can Provide Relief

In addition to Cepacol® Throat Lozenges with four flavours (Regular, Honey & Lemon, Menthol, Blackcurrant)5, the Cepacol® Cough & Cold range now includes the addition of the new Cepacol® Throat Spray which contains a combination of ivy leaf, pelargonium, and menthol. It provides temporary pain and discomfort relief.6 

Cepacol® understands the daily needs of individuals experiencing a sore throat, so, if you're dealing with a sore throat, there's a Cepacol® for that!

Cepacol®'s new range of products is now available at leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.cepacol.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook.

References: 

  1. Medical News Today. What cause a chronic sore throat. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sore-throat-at-night#cancer. Last accessed May 2023. 
  2. Maple. Why does my throat hurt every winter? Available from:  https://www.getmaple.ca/blog/2022/12/02/why-does-my-throat-hurt-every-winter/. Last accessed May 2023. 
  3. Health Direct. Tonsil stones. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tonsil-stones. Last accessed May 2023. 
  4. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Sore throat. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sore-throat.html. Last accessed May 2023.
  5. CEPACOL® Throat Lozenges approved professional information, February 2022. 
  6. CEPACOL® Throat Spray approved professional information, February 2022. 
  7. Medical News Today. Sore throat and acid reflux: What is the link? Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315066#_noHeaderPrefixedContent. Last accessed June 2023.Medical News Today. 

How to deal with a sore throat. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311449. Last accessed June 2023.

CEPACOL® Throat Lozenges Menthol. Each lozenge contains: Cetylpyridinium chloride 1,47 mg and Benzyl alcohol 6,5 mg. Reg. No.: /A40/16.4/0297.
CEPACOL® Throat Lozenges Regular. Each lozenge contains: Cetylpyridinium chloride 1,47 mg and Benzyl alcohol 6,5 mg. Ref No: H1388 (Act 101 of 1965).
CEPACOL® Throat Lozenges Blackcurrant Flavour. Each lozenge contains: Cetylpyridinium chloride 1,47 mg and Benzyl alcohol 6,5 mg. Reg. No.: 33/16.4/0492.
CEPACOL® Throat Lozenges Honey and Lemon Flavour. Each lozenge contains: Cetylpyridinium chloride 1,47 mg and Benzyl alcohol 6,5 mg. Reg. No.: 33/16.4/0505.
 CEPACOL® MEDSIP HONEY LEMON (POWDER). Each 5 g sachet contains: Paracetamol 800 mg, Caffeine 50 mg, Ascorbic acid 10 mg.: 27/5.8/0508.
 CEPACOL® MEDSIP GINGER (POWDER). Each 5 g sachet contains: Paracetamol 800 mg, Caffeine 50 mg, Ascorbic acid 10 mg.: Y/5.8/10.
CEPACOL® Cough and Cold Syrup. Each 5 ml contains Pelargonium sidiodes 150 mg, Hedera helix 5 mg.
CEPACOL® Plus Cough and Cold Syrup. Each 5 ml contains Pelargonium sidiodes 150 mg, Hedera helix 5 mg, Valerianae officinalis L12 mg. Category D: Complementary Medicine. Discipline Specific: D33.6 Western Herbal Medicine. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.
CEPACOL® Throat Spray. Each ml contains Pelargonium sidiodes 140 mg, Hedera helix 40 mg, Menthol crystals 0,09 mg, Eucalyptus globules 0,45 mg and Syzygium aromaticum 0,3 mg. Category D: Complementary Medicine. Discipline Specific: D33.6 Western Herbal Medicine. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.

For full prescribing information refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority. Adcock Ingram Limited Co. Reg. No. 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa.Tel. +27 11 635 0000. www.adcock.com. 2023032710267652 March 2023.