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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.
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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.
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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.
Zinc is a versatile metal known for its various applications in industry and health. It is a bluish-white metallic element represented by the symbol Zn and atomic number 30 on the periodic table. Zinc is primarily used for galvanizing steel to prevent rusting, in the manufacturing of alloys, and as a component in batteries. Additionally, zinc plays a crucial role in biological processes, making it an essential trace element in the human diet. It is involved in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Zinc has been studied for its potential effects on the immune system, and some evidence suggests it may help alleviate sore throat symptoms. Particularly, zinc lozenges or syrups may shorten the duration of a sore throat when taken at the onset of symptoms. The reasoning behind this is that zinc can inhibit the replication of the virus responsible for the cold and boost immune response, thus potentially providing some relief.
However, it’s important to use zinc cautiously, as high doses can lead to side effects such as nausea or a bad taste in the mouth. Most health experts recommend opting for zinc in moderate doses, ideally through lozenges, which can also provide some soothing effects. While zinc might not be a cure-all, it can be a helpful part of a broader treatment plan that includes rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If your sore throat persists or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable.
Based on user reviews, individuals taking zinc for sore throat relief have reported seeing results typically within one to two days of starting the supplement. For instance, one user mentioned that symptoms like sore throat and fatigue improved significantly after just a couple of days of use (Read Review). Another review noted that the onset of soreness cleared up in the same timeframe after the initial dose (Read Review).
Moreover, some users recommend taking the supplement at the very first signs of a sore throat or cold, indicating that early intervention seems to enhance its effectiveness. For instance, one review highlighted how taking zinc promptly leads to relief, noting that soreness lasts only one or two days (Read Review). Overall, it seems that many users have had positive experiences regarding the speed of relief provided by this zinc supplement.
Scientific research indicates that supplements containing zinc, often combined with other components like honey and propolis, may offer some benefits for treating sore throat, particularly in children. One study evaluated a supplement with honey, propolis, and zinc, finding that it led to notable improvements in sore throat symptoms among children suffering from acute tonsillopharyngitis after just a few days of use [1]. While the addition of zinc was part of the formulation, the study noted the difficulty in isolating its specific effects due to the presence of other ingredients. Another study focusing on zinc supplementation also showed potential in treating sore throat symptoms in children, suggesting that such combinations might reduce the severity of throat pain [2].
However, results are mixed regarding zinc's effectiveness as a standalone treatment for sore throat. Investigations into zinc gargles and lozenges, particularly in postoperative contexts, revealed that while zinc may help alleviate sore throat discomfort after surgeries, its impact on sore throat in other contexts, such as colds, remains less definitive [3] [9]. Moreover, the ability to isolate zinc's effects from other ingredients complicates the understanding of how beneficial it might be when used alone. Thus, while certain studies highlight promising outcomes, further research is necessary to fully understand zinc's role and effectiveness in sore throat management.
Users have shared various experiences relating to symptom improvement after taking zinc. Many individuals have reported a marked reduction in sore throat and cold symptoms when they take the supplement at the first sign of illness. For example, one user indicated that they noticed significant relief from chills and sore throat by the second day of taking zinc after the initial onset of symptoms (Read Review). Similarly, another review highlighted how a husband no longer suffers from sore throats since regularly taking zinc, emphasizing its long-term benefits in symptom management (Read Review).
Moreover, users have noted that the supplement not only alleviates acute symptoms but also contributes positively to overall immunity and health. One reviewer mentioned that their immunity was boosted after taking zinc, leading to a complete resolution of cold-like symptoms and fatigue experienced after having Covid (Read Review). Another comment suggested that the formulation helps to soothe sore throats quickly, making discomfort last only a day or two (Read Review). Overall, these anecdotes suggest that while individual results can vary, many users find zinc to be a beneficial supplement in managing and improving symptoms associated with colds and sore throats.
Users have reported positive experiences when combining this zinc supplement with other remedies or dietary habits for managing sore throat symptoms. Many individuals emphasize the importance of taking the supplement at the first signs of illness. For example, one user noted that taking zinc immediately upon feeling symptoms led to remarkable relief within just a couple of days (Read Review). Another user recommended taking it every two hours at the onset of symptoms, citing significant alleviation of discomfort during throat irritation (Read Review).
Moreover, some reviews suggest that users find enhanced effectiveness when combining zinc with a healthy lifestyle or other supplements. One reviewer indicated that with regular use, zinc not only helped in managing their sore throat but also supported their overall immunity, minimizing the duration of symptoms after potential exposure to illness (Read Review). This feedback reflects a consensus among users that zinc can synergistically support other health measures, rendering it a valuable addition to their symptom management toolkit for sore throats and other cold-related concerns.
Based on user reviews, many individuals found zinc to be effective for treating sore throat symptoms, especially when taken at the first sign of illness. Reviewers frequently recommended taking it immediately, often within the first day of noticing symptoms, suggesting that early intervention is key to alleviating discomfort and clearing up issues quickly ((Read Review); (Read Review)). One user indicated that they take zinc lozenges every two hours for effective relief at the onset of sore throat symptoms, emphasizing their significant impact on comfort ((Read Review)).
However, some users highlighted that personal dosing may vary; one reviewer noted that they found the standard dosage to be high for their weight and adjusted accordingly ((Read Review)). Additionally, several users reported overall benefits regarding their immune system and the efficiency of different zinc formulations, with some preferring specific forms like picolinate for better absorption ((Read Review)). Ultimately, users advocate for tailoring the dosage to individual needs while maintaining consistent use for optimal 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.
We compared various treatments, including zinc, magnesium, and budesonide, to see which might lessen the soreness after surgery. Our findings revealed that the effects of zinc were similar to those of the other treatments. Unfortunately, we observed no significant advantage in using zinc to reduce sore throat incidence or severity.
Additionally, we noted that surgeries lasting longer than two hours tended to increase the likelihood of POST, regardless of the treatment used. This indicates that the duration of the surgery is an important factor to consider when evaluating sore throat outcomes, rather than solely the preoperative treatments administered.
Over the course of the study, we monitored various symptoms, including sore throat, and measured participants' plasma zinc and cytokine levels on the first day and as they recovered. We observed that those who took zinc lozenges experienced a shorter duration of cold symptoms, with cough showing notable improvement.
However, when it came to sore throats specifically, while there were positive results, the changes didn't stand out as significantly different from those who received the placebo. So, while zinc may play a role in easing cold symptoms overall, its particular impact on sore throat isn’t conclusively proven in our findings.
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.
