Overview
Top Medical Research Studies
Our findings revealed that the zinc group reported significantly fewer instances of POST at the 4-hour mark compared to the placebo group. Specifically, only 6.8% of patients in the zinc group experienced POST, while a higher 31.8% in the placebo group did. Furthermore, none of the patients taking zinc reported severe sore throat, a stark contrast to three patients in the placebo group who did.
Additionally, we noted lower severity ratings for sore throat in the zinc group at various time intervals post-surgery. The results emphasize that taking zinc tablets before surgery can effectively mitigate the incidence and discomfort of sore throat following intubation, presenting a simple solution for a common postoperative issue.
Our findings revealed promising results. At the crucial four-hour mark post-surgery, only 7% of patients who took zinc experienced POST, compared to 29% in the placebo group. Interestingly, the difference was even more pronounced right after surgery, where the zinc group reported a 0% incidence of POST versus 24% for the control group.
Moreover, the severity of sore throat symptoms was notably less intense among those in the zinc group. Those with mild and moderate sore throat pains reported significantly lower severity scores. These results suggest that a single dose of 40 mg of zinc lozenges taken just 30 minutes before surgery can greatly aid in reducing both the occurrence and discomfort of POST in the early hours after surgery.
Our findings showed that the group using zinc sulphate experienced notably lower rates of sore throat compared to those using magnesium sulphate. Specifically, the incidence of mild POST was significantly lower in the zinc group, especially during the first four hours after surgery. Overall, zinc gargle proved to be more effective in reducing sore throat compared to magnesium sulphate, demonstrating its potential benefits in postoperative care.
These results highlight the importance of zinc as a simple yet effective intervention to reduce discomfort for patients following surgery. By using zinc gargle preoperatively, we can potentially improve patient outcomes related to postoperative sore throat.
Most Useful Reviews
Medical Researches
- All Researches
Our findings showed that the group using zinc sulphate experienced notably lower rates of sore throat compared to those using magnesium sulphate. Specifically, the incidence of mild POST was significantly lower in the zinc group, especially during the first four hours after surgery. Overall, zinc gargle proved to be more effective in reducing sore throat compared to magnesium sulphate, demonstrating its potential benefits in postoperative care.
These results highlight the importance of zinc as a simple yet effective intervention to reduce discomfort for patients following surgery. By using zinc gargle preoperatively, we can potentially improve patient outcomes related to postoperative sore throat.
Our findings revealed that the zinc group reported significantly fewer instances of POST at the 4-hour mark compared to the placebo group. Specifically, only 6.8% of patients in the zinc group experienced POST, while a higher 31.8% in the placebo group did. Furthermore, none of the patients taking zinc reported severe sore throat, a stark contrast to three patients in the placebo group who did.
Additionally, we noted lower severity ratings for sore throat in the zinc group at various time intervals post-surgery. The results emphasize that taking zinc tablets before surgery can effectively mitigate the incidence and discomfort of sore throat following intubation, presenting a simple solution for a common postoperative issue.
Our findings revealed promising results. At the crucial four-hour mark post-surgery, only 7% of patients who took zinc experienced POST, compared to 29% in the placebo group. Interestingly, the difference was even more pronounced right after surgery, where the zinc group reported a 0% incidence of POST versus 24% for the control group.
Moreover, the severity of sore throat symptoms was notably less intense among those in the zinc group. Those with mild and moderate sore throat pains reported significantly lower severity scores. These results suggest that a single dose of 40 mg of zinc lozenges taken just 30 minutes before surgery can greatly aid in reducing both the occurrence and discomfort of POST in the early hours after surgery.
The results revealed that incorporating the supplement with standard care led to notable improvements in certain symptoms associated with sore throat, such as throat pain and swallowing difficulties by day four and six. Although zinc was part of the blend, it was challenging to pinpoint its independent effect, given that it was studied alongside honey and propolis.
Interestingly, only one child in the standard care group needed additional medications like ibuprofen, highlighting that the supplement may reduce the need for further treatment. Importantly, we did not report any adverse events, making this combination a potential safe addition to treatment.
Overall, while the study presents encouraging results regarding the adjunctive use of the supplement in treating sore throat, it remains unclear how much zinc alone contributes to its effectiveness.
Importantly, zinc sulfate showed mixed results, with one review suggesting it did not significantly decrease the occurrence or intensity of oral mucositis in cancer patients. However, there are indications that certain zinc preparations may still hold promise in specific contexts, such as managing sore throat post-surgery.
Overall, while zinc's benefits in sore throat treatment appear to vary, ongoing research explores the best applications and formulations of zinc to potentially ease discomfort. As such, individuals seeking relief should keep an eye on emerging studies that could clarify zinc's role in throat health.
User Reviews
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is a common condition characterized by pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat. It can occur as a result of various factors, including viral infections like the common cold or flu, bacterial infections such as strep throat, allergies, dry air, or even irritants like smoke and pollution. Symptoms often manifest as a sensation of discomfort during swallowing and may be accompanied by swelling, redness, or the presence of white patches on the tonsils or throat lining.
Most sore throats are mild and resolve on their own within a week or so, often treated with home remedies such as warm salt water gargles, lozenges, and hydration. However, if the sore throat is severe, persistent, or associated with other concerning symptoms such as high fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, as this may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical intervention. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially if a bacterial infection is suspected, as it may necessitate antibiotics for effective treatment.
Elderberry (Sambucus) refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae, comprising several species known for their small berries and traditional medicinal uses. The most commonly recognized species is the European elder, Sambucus nigra, which has been utilized in folk medicine for centuries due to its rich nutrient profile, including antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber. Elderberries are typically fragrant clusters of small, dark purple to black berries that are used in a variety of culinary applications, such as jams, syrups, and wine.
In recent years, elderberry has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, particularly for supporting immune health. Many people consume elderberry supplements or syrups to help alleviate symptoms of colds and flu, with some studies suggesting they may reduce the duration and severity of viral infections. However, it’s important to note that raw elderberries, as well as other parts of the elderberry plant, can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, it's recommended to use elderberry products that are properly processed and prepared to ensure safety and efficacy.
Elderberry sambucus has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its effectiveness in relieving symptoms associated with colds and respiratory infections. Traditionally, elderberry is praised for its immune-boosting properties, which can be beneficial when dealing with common ailments like sore throats. While some preliminary studies suggest that elderberry extract may shorten the duration of cold symptoms and reduce cough, clear evidence specific to sore throat relief is limited.
That said, elderberry products, often available in syrups or lozenges, are generally considered safe for most people and could provide soothing relief due to their antioxidant properties. When used in conjunction with other home remedies, such as warm fluids or throat lozenges, elderberry may contribute to an improved sense of well-being during a sore throat episode. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for persistent or severe symptoms to rule out any underlying conditions.
Based on user reviews, individuals taking this supplement for sore throat often report noticing results quickly, typically within a few hours to a couple of days. Many users emphasize that they feel relief almost instantly after taking the lozenges or tablets. For instance, one reviewer mentioned that after dissolving a couple of these tablets, they instantly felt better, suggesting a speedy impact on sore throat symptoms (Read Review). Others indicated that discomfort significantly eased by the next morning (Read Review).
Additionally, some reviews indicate a more gradual improvement over the course of a few days. One user reported that increasing their dose led to the complete disappearance of sore throat symptoms within two days (Read Review). Overall, while experiences vary, many users suggest that consistent use at the first signs of a sore throat can lead to noticeable relief quite quickly.
Recent research suggests that supplements containing zinc, particularly in combination with honey and propolis, may offer some benefits for treating sore throat symptoms in children. A study observed notable improvements in throat pain and swallowing difficulties when a zinc-containing supplement was combined with standard care, compared to standard care alone [1]. However, isolating zinc's independent contribution is challenging, as other components may also play a significant role in the observed outcomes [2].
On the other hand, the effects of zinc as a treatment specifically for sore throat—particularly in postoperative contexts—appear to be mixed. Some studies have shown that zinc gargles or lozenges can reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST) when used prior to endotracheal intubation [4], while other evidence highlights a lack of significant impact on sore throat symptoms in non-surgical contexts [6]. Overall, while zinc supplementation shows promise, particularly as an adjunct in specific scenarios, its efficacy solely for treating sore throat remains inconclusive.
Based on user reviews, many individuals have reported significant improvements in their symptoms when using the product for sore throat relief. Users frequently emphasized that taking the lozenges at the first signs of a cold resulted in quick alleviation of discomfort. For example, one user noted that they felt instant relief after dissolving just a couple of tablets, reinforcing the belief that these lozenges act swiftly to reduce throat pain (Read Review). Additionally, consistent users have mentioned that their symptoms significantly ease overnight, allowing them to wake up feeling much better the next morning (Read Review).
Furthermore, some reviews suggest a gradual improvement over a short period, with one user sharing that increasing their dosage led to the complete disappearance of sore throat symptoms within two days (Read Review). Overall, while individual results can vary widely, the consensus among users is that these lozenges provide a blend of efficacy and pleasant taste, making them a staple in many households for addressing initial signs of illness.
Based on user reviews, many individuals reported positive outcomes when combining this supplement with other products for sore throat relief. Notably, several users highlighted the effectiveness of incorporating zinc, elderberry, and vitamin C alongside these lozenges. For instance, one reviewer noted that taking a combination of elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc significantly improved their sore throat symptoms, leading to complete resolution within just two days (Read Review). Another user shared their success in combining the lozenges with a propolis sore throat spray, stating that the combination provided fantastic results in alleviating discomfort (Read Review).
Users also expressed caution about consuming additional zinc from other sources, as one reviewer recommended not to take zinc from other products simultaneously with these lozenges (Read Review). Overall, the consensus is that combining this supplement with other complementary products can enhance its efficacy in managing sore throat symptoms, allowing for a versatile approach to treatment.
Based on user reviews, many individuals reported that the ideal dose for Elderberry Sambucus when treating a sore throat varies according to personal preference and symptom severity. Several users suggested taking one to two lozenges or tablets at the first signs of a cold or sore throat, noting that they found relief quickly. For instance, one reviewer mentioned that they felt the benefits when taking ‘1-2 pieces daily’ alongside a throat spray (Read Review). Others noted that taking the remedies every 2-3 hours, but no more than six in a day, also proved effective (Read Review).
Additionally, some users found that increasing the dose to three tablets per day during sickness significantly improved their recovery time, as reported by one satisfied reviewer (Read Review). Encouragingly, these herbal options seemed palatable, with many users describing them as ‘delicious’ and suitable for both children and adults, affirming their practicality for entire families (Read Review). Overall, users emphasized the importance of beginning the treatment as soon as symptoms arose to achieve the best results.
The results revealed that incorporating the supplement with standard care led to notable improvements in certain symptoms associated with sore throat, such as throat pain and swallowing difficulties by day four and six. Although zinc was part of the blend, it was challenging to pinpoint its independent effect, given that it was studied alongside honey and propolis.
Interestingly, only one child in the standard care group needed additional medications like ibuprofen, highlighting that the supplement may reduce the need for further treatment. Importantly, we did not report any adverse events, making this combination a potential safe addition to treatment.
Overall, while the study presents encouraging results regarding the adjunctive use of the supplement in treating sore throat, it remains unclear how much zinc alone contributes to its effectiveness.
Our focus was on children aged 3 to 10 years suffering from sore throat symptoms. We employed a randomized, controlled setup, ensuring a solid methodological foundation for our findings. The primary goals included assessing severity of throat pain and the necessity for additional rescue medications.
The results highlighted the supplement's potential as an add-on treatment. While it shows promise in alleviating symptoms, we must note that we cannot isolate zinc's effects from other components like Pelargonium sidoides and propolis.
Ultimately, these insights could guide future treatments where antibiotics are avoided, especially when there's no streptococcal infection involved.
Our findings showed that the group using zinc sulphate experienced notably lower rates of sore throat compared to those using magnesium sulphate. Specifically, the incidence of mild POST was significantly lower in the zinc group, especially during the first four hours after surgery. Overall, zinc gargle proved to be more effective in reducing sore throat compared to magnesium sulphate, demonstrating its potential benefits in postoperative care.
These results highlight the importance of zinc as a simple yet effective intervention to reduce discomfort for patients following surgery. By using zinc gargle preoperatively, we can potentially improve patient outcomes related to postoperative sore throat.
Importantly, zinc sulfate showed mixed results, with one review suggesting it did not significantly decrease the occurrence or intensity of oral mucositis in cancer patients. However, there are indications that certain zinc preparations may still hold promise in specific contexts, such as managing sore throat post-surgery.
Overall, while zinc's benefits in sore throat treatment appear to vary, ongoing research explores the best applications and formulations of zinc to potentially ease discomfort. As such, individuals seeking relief should keep an eye on emerging studies that could clarify zinc's role in throat health.
References
- Cardinale F, Barattini DF, Martinucci V, Bordea MM, Barattini L, et al. The Effectiveness of a Dietary Supplement with Honey, Propolis, Extract, and Zinc in Children Affected by Acute Tonsillopharyngitis: An Open, Randomized, and Controlled Trial. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024;17. doi:10.3390/ph17060804
- Cardinale F, Barattini DF, Sbrocca F, Centi A, Giuntini G, et al. The Effects of a Dietary Supplement (PediaFlù) Plus Standard of Care in Children With Acute Tonsillopharyngitis/Rhinopharyngitis: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2024;13:e53703. doi:10.2196/53703
- Bhanwra A, Palta S, Saroa R, Saxena P, Bhanwra S, et al. Role of preoperative zinc, magnesium and budesonide gargles in Postoperative Sore Throat (POST) - a randomised control trial. BMC Anesthesiol. 2024;24:164. doi:10.1186/s12871-024-02534-5
- Mondal AK, Maiti AK, Chattopadhyay S, Bhar D. A randomised, double-blind, comparative study of preoperative magnesium sulphate versus zinc sulphate gargle for prevention of postoperative sore throat following endotracheal intubation. Indian J Anaesth. 2023;67:S261. doi:10.4103/ija.ija_975_22
- Sarkar T, Mandal T. Preoperative oral zinc tablet decreases incidence of postoperative sore throat. Indian J Anaesth. 2020;64:409. doi:10.4103/ija.IJA_959_19
- Thomsen M, Vitetta L. Zinc deficits, mucositis, and mucosal macrophage perturbation: is there a relationship?. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2019;22:365. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000588
- Farhang B, Grondin L. The Effect of Zinc Lozenge on Postoperative Sore Throat: A Prospective Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study. Anesth Analg. 2018;126:78. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000002494
- Sun GB, Sun N, Tang HH, Zhu QB, Wen W, et al. Zinc sulfate therapy of vocal process granuloma. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;269:2087. doi:10.1007/s00405-012-1971-1
- Prasad AS, Fitzgerald JT, Bao B, Beck FW, Chandrasekar PH. Duration of symptoms and plasma cytokine levels in patients with the common cold treated with zinc acetate. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2000;133:245.
