REBEL Cast Episode 39 – - July 24, 2017 24
Background: Sore throat is a common presentation to the emergency department as well as primary care clinics. Corticosteroids inhibit transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators in airway endothelial cells responsible for pharyngeal inflammation and symptoms of pain. They have been used in other upper respiratory tract infections such as acute sinusitis and croup. In adults, previous studies with dexamethasone are in combination with antibiotics but studies of children have included dexamethasone without antibiotics. This study is unique as it is evaluating the benefits of oral corticosteroids for acute sore throat in primary care in the absence of antibiotics..
Author Conclusion: “Among adults presenting to primary care with acute sore throat, a single dose of oral dexamethasone compared with placebo did not increase the proportion of patients with resolution of symptoms at 24 hours. However, there was a significant difference at 48 hours.”
Clinical Take Home Point: Corticosteroids may play a beneficial role in sore throat just like in other upper respiratory infections but the effect is more likely to be beneficial in those with more severe symptoms.