A usual treatment for sore throat involves the use of antibiotics to reduce symptoms of pain, inflammation and fever. However, studies show that the body can develop resistance if high amounts of antibiotics are used. Current guidelines even advised medical experts against prescribing antibiotics for sore throat.

A study was conducted by a group of medical experts from the University of Oxford regarding the use of corticosteroid in reducing pain and inflammation on patients suffering from sore throat.

In the study, they employed both adults and children with severe sore throat. Several adults and children were given both corticosteroids and antibiotics, while the remaining were given placebo. After 24 hours, patients who received treatment reported total relief from pain than those who received placebo. This was a clear indication that steroids can already be effective for sore throat in a single dose application. Other results showed that the combination treatment was only effective in adults. Furthermore, only oral corticosteroids were proven to show some positive effect. Steroids and painkillers also exhibited the same effect.

The authors concluded that oral corticosteroid in conjunction with antibiotics, proves to be the most effective treatment for pain relief in sore throat patients. However, further study needs to be conducted in determining the effect of corticosteroid in sore throat without the use of antibiotics.

According to Medical News Today:

A study just published on bmj.com reports that when treating adults with severe sore throat, a single dose of corticosteroid drugs together with antibiotics can alleviate pain more rapidly and effectively than with antibiotics alone.

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