Overview
Sore throat is a relatively common occurrence in many people. Changes in weather, injuries, infections, or consuming irritating food can all make your throat feel hurt. Doctors commonly prescribe cough syrups, paracetamol, ibuprofen, or antihistamines to help numb the sore sensation. However, there are conditions out there that irritate the throat to such an extent that the pain becomes unbearable and lead to ulceration in the throat, which results in immense pain.
To treat extreme pain or discomfort in the throat, sometimes doctors might even prescribe steroid medications such as prednisone to control the inflammation.
Are steroids effective for sore throat?
Prednisolone for sore throat is used as an extreme measure, especially in situations where either the traditional treatment isn’t as responsive or the pain is unbearable. However, there might be other situations as well where a doctor might consider prescribing prednisone for sore throat that is associated with symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath or is a result of exacerbation of asthma. Steroids for sore throat are generally effective in reducing inflammation and redness, allowing for easy breathing and swallowing. Doctors will also prescribe steroid medicines in cases of severe allergies.
What does prednisone do for sore throat?
In cases of acute sore throat, evidence suggests that one or two low doses of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can effectively diminish pain intensity and duration. These medications, taken orally or through injection, target inflammation in the throat lining, relieving symptoms. Doctors may consider prescribing corticosteroids for sore throats marked by significant inflammation, severe or painful symptoms, allergic reactions, infectious mononucleosis (mono), or chronic and recurrent instances linked to underlying conditions like tonsillitis. Prednisolone for strep throat can also be used in case the infection is causing extreme pain.
What is the recommended prednisone dose for sore throat?
Typically, corticosteroids are prescribed at a dose of 10 mg of dexamethasone for adults (0.6 mg per kg for children, with a maximum dose of 10 mg), either as a pill or through intramuscular injection. Equivalent doses of other corticosteroids may also be considered. However, caution is advised when administering larger doses to individuals with recurrent sore throat episodes, as the potential risks may outweigh the benefits.
While a single dose of corticosteroids may seem innocuous, the cumulative use requires consultation with a doctor. You should discuss the potential benefits and your medical history with a doctor before taking different steroids and prednisone for infections.
How fast does prednisone work for sore throat?
Topical Steroids (Throat sprays or inhalers):
- Act locally and may provide relief within a few hours to a day.
- Reduce inflammation, offering rapid alleviation of sore throat symptoms.
Oral Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Dexamethasone)
- Typically, it takes longer to show effects compared to topical steroids.
- Improvement may start within 12–24 hours, with the full effect taking a few days.
- Speed of relief varies based on the severity of inflammation and the underlying condition.
Some evidence suggests that a single dose of oral corticosteroids increases the likelihood of symptom resolution in acute sore throats within 48 hours.
Is prednisone good for sore throat?
Prednisone and other corticosteroids have shown effectiveness in quickly easing sore throat symptoms, particularly in cases with significant inflammation. A thorough research analysis of nine trials involving 1,319 participants, many already taking antibiotics, revealed that corticosteroids increased the likelihood of complete symptom resolution by 2.4 times within 24 hours. While these steroids did accelerate symptom relief moderately, they did not significantly reduce pain severity or duration, nor did they improve other patient-related outcomes like time off from work or school.
While corticosteroids prove effective for sore throat treatment, their impact on pain severity, duration, and other outcomes is not substantial. Therefore, the decision to use these medications should be collaborative between the physician and the patient.
The need for using prednisone for a sore throat depends upon eight outcomes, including:
- Complete resolution of pain
- Time to onset of pain relief
- Pain severity
- Need for antibiotics
- Days missed from school or work
- Recurrence of symptoms
- Duration of intolerable symptoms
- Adverse effects
However, corticosteroids are unlikely to reduce symptom recurrence, and days missed from school or work (moderate-quality evidence). The evidence is low-quality regarding their impact on antibiotic use or the average time for complete pain resolution.
Why do doctors prescribe prednisone with antibiotics?
In illness, doctors may opt for a dual approach, prescribing oral steroids and antibiotics to expedite healing. Prednisone, a steroid, plays a key role in reducing swelling and inflammation associated with the infection, thereby accelerating overall recovery. This combination is particularly advantageous in conditions such as sinus infections, where the reduction of swelling can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
While antibiotics can provide modest benefits in reducing symptoms and fever when the infection is bacterial, their use raises concerns about contributing to antibiotic resistance. Although most sore throats have a viral origin, and the risk of secondary complications is low, clinicians often prescribe antibiotics. This practice may be influenced by the perception that patients seeking care expect a course of antibiotics, even though their primary concern may be pain relief.
What are the side effects of taking prednisone for a sore throat?
The short-term side effects of corticosteroids may include:
- Insomnia
- Fluid retention
- Mood changes
- Digestive issues
- Increased appetite
- Elevated blood pressure
Long-term effects:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Skin issues
- Osteoporosis
- Adrenal suppression
- Weakening of the immune system
Awareness of these potential side effects is crucial, and consultation with healthcare professionals is recommended to assess the risks and benefits of using prednisone for sore throat treatment.
When to consult a doctor?
Steroid medications generally should never be taken without a doctor’s guidance, especially in the case of sore throat, orwithout proper directions, they cause effects such as weakened immune systems, which might lead to prolonged infection. However, certain groups of people should ALWAYS connect with a doctor before starting on prednisone for sore throat.
Mental health conditions: Certain steroids, such as prednisolone, can alter mood; therefore, the proper dosage needs to be discussed with a medical professional in case you have a mental health condition.
Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems due to infections or therapy should consult physicians about whether they can or cannot take prednisone for strep throat or sore throat.
People with recurrent infections: Individuals that have a tendency to be affected by recurrent infections need to make sure their immune system is working properly and, therefore, need to speak to a doctor regarding dosage for steroids for sore throat.
People with preexisting conditions: People with conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure need to be more careful when taking steroids for sore throat since this could alter their blood sugar levels.
FAQs about Prednisone for sore throat
Yes, prednisolone, a corticosteroid, can effectively reduce pain, inflammation, and symptoms associated with strep throat. It also treats arthritis, blood disorders, skin diseases, and allergies.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered effective in relieving pain and swelling by reducing the inflammation causing a sore throat. Common NSAIDs include Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) and Naproxen (Aleve®).
Sore throats are frequently encountered, often due to viral infections. However, persistent or severe pain may signal a more serious issue. If your throat discomfort persists beyond three weeks or if you have concerns, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.
