Cough Drops, Lozenges and Throat Sprays: What's the Difference?

Why did we leave out cough drops in that last sentence? Well, it’s because while many people think cough drops and lozenges are different things, they actually aren’t. That said, not all lozenges and throat sprays are created the same.

Which remedy is the best one for me?

The answer depends on your symptoms. Different lozenges and throat sprays have different ingredients, or different percentages of ingredients. Each ingredient has different properties. Therefore, when choosing a treatment, read the label carefully to make sure it’ll do what you want it to.

Let’s break down the common active ingredients in both lozenges and throat sprays:

  • Benzocaine: a numbing agent that relieves pain and can ease coughs
  • Dextromethorphan: an agent that works with your brain to suppress the cough reflex
  • Menthol: a minty oral anesthetic/analgesic designed to cool the painful area and subsequently, suppress cough. Menthol vapors also work to relieve nasal congestion.
  • Phenola combined oral anesthetic and analgesic used mostly in throat sprays

While lozenges and sprays can be effective in treating your sore throat and cough, they are only temporary solutions. If you are looking for something more permanent, especially if you have recurring sore throats, make an appointment with CT Sinus Center to see how we can help.

In many cases, your pain could be caused by post-nasal drip from a sinus condition, or even a problem with your tonsils and adenoids. So when you come in, our expert team will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your symptoms and medical history. Next, they’ll perform a series of tests to get to the bottom of what is causing your sore throat and develop an individualized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.

Don’t let a sore throat be a pain in the neck. Call us today at 860-BALLOON, and start breathing a sigh of relief. With four conveniently-located offices, help is just around the corner.

For more information on sinus and allergy conditions, visit the CT Sinus Center website and blog.

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Waterbury, CT 06708
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