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Hydrogen peroxide for sore throat in adult and child

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Today, such a disease as angina is becoming more and more widespread. It occupies a leading position in the structure of morbidity among the population. This disease manifests itself especially intensively in childhood. One of the most effective means that promotes rapid recovery is hydrogen peroxide for angina.

What to gargle with for purulent tonsillitis?

It is recommended to use various means. Plant extracts, antibacterial drugs, hydrogen peroxide are used.

Treatment of sore throat with peroxide

The disease is an inflammation of the tonsils and lymphoid tissue, which causes an inflammatory and purulent-infectious process. The nasopharynx is covered with a coating, which is washed off during rinsing.

Pus may accumulate, which requires the use of peroxide: it prevents the proliferation of bacterial microflora and is used to prevent suppuration. It can be used to lubricate inflamed tonsils. Ointments are prepared on its basis.

The substance is very effective, but nevertheless it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements and conditions. First of all, it is necessary to understand that it should not get into the stomach. It should only rinse the throat and spit out. Pus, accumulations, deposits are removed along with it. There is also a reaction of plaque dissolution, where pathogenic microflora dies, which is the etiological factor in angina. In some cases, peroxide can simply slow down the process of bacterial reproduction. It is important to consider that peroxide is not a remedy that directly relieves inflammation. However, it indirectly helps to reduce the inflammatory process. This is due to the fact that microorganisms die, and accordingly, the inflammatory process is removed. Peroxide itself, as a monotherapy, is ineffective.

The mechanism of action is that it has a weak antimicrobial effect. A chemical reaction with bacterial microflora is carried out, with the help of which free oxygen is released. It has a bactericidal effect, killing bacteria. It destroys their cell wall, which leads to death. Also, the resulting air bubbles help remove toxins from the body.

It is also necessary to take into account that pure oxygen can have a toxic effect on the body's cells, so it is not advisable to abuse it.

The reaction can only occur in case of contact with pathogenic microflora and inflamed tissue or blood. No reaction occurs upon contact with healthy skin and mucous membrane.

Indications hydrogen peroxide for a sore throat

Peroxide is used to remove bacterial, viral and fungal microflora, as well as to relieve inflammation. It is indicated for inflammation of any genesis, as well as for various diseases of the respiratory tract, nasopharynx, and pharynx. It can be effective in the treatment of sinusitis.

Peroxide may be prescribed based on test results. Many doctors prefer not to prescribe peroxide treatment without first confirming the diagnosis with laboratory test results. Thus, peroxide is recommended if it is really a sore throat, which is caused by the development of a bacterial infection. If it is a viral or fungal infection, peroxide will not only be ineffective, but also dangerous, as it can lead to a number of serious side effects and complications. We must not forget that peroxide is an extremely unsafe remedy.

Hydrogen peroxide will be effective if the cause of the development of sore throat is a streptococcal infection, especially viridans streptococcus. This can be confirmed by a standard bacteriological study, for which a smear is taken from the throat and nose. Streptococcus is detected in the smear. To conduct such a study, the smear must be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours after taking. In the laboratory, they sow on a nutrient medium. Incubate under optimal conditions, obtain a pure culture. After this, the pure culture is transferred to selective nutrient media. Incubate again, and then identify by serological and biochemical signs. If a streptococcal infection is confirmed, you can safely prescribe hydrogen peroxide.

Also, an indication for the appointment of hydrogen peroxide is an inflammatory, infectious, or allergic process, which may be indicated by an increase in ESR, leukocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils. It is also possible to roughly assume in which organ system the main pathological process occurs, what is its severity. This determines what dosage of peroxide to select, what is the method of application. Also, if protein is detected in the urine, we can talk about the development of a purulent inflammatory process (follicular tonsillitis), for which gargling is prescribed.

But if the analysis shows a high content of eosinophils and an increased level of histamine, an allergic process can be assumed. In this case, the use of peroxide is inappropriate, since it will not have a positive effect. Also, peroxide is ineffective in the development of a viral or fungal disease. If an infectious disease is suspected, virological studies are prescribed, as well as bacteriological culture, which will differentiate a viral disease from a bacterial or fungal one. Smears, scrapings directly from the throat, tongue plaque, a smear from the pharynx and nose are taken. Blood is also examined using microscopy, bacteriological culture, serological or virological studies.

In case of a disease of unclear etiology, the prescription of peroxide depends on the characteristics of the clinical picture.

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Release form

Hydrogen peroxide is produced as a solution placed in a dark bottle of various capacities. The solution is transparent, with small bubbles. It is mainly produced as a 3% solution, however, there is also a higher concentration. Peroxide is also produced in the form of hydroperite tablets.

In solution form it is produced under the name "hydrogen peroxide". In tablet form peroxide is produced under the name hydroperite.

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Dosing and administration

It is important to never swallow it as it affects the gastrointestinal tract.

Peroxide for sore throat in adults

Dissolve a tablespoon in a glass of water. Then start gargling. There is also a second option for preparing a gargling solution: dissolve a hydroperite tablet in a glass of warm water. Gargle at intervals of at least 3 hours. Afterwards, it is better to rinse with a decoction of herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect: sage, chamomile, calendula, string. This is due to the fact that peroxide dissolves and removes pus and microorganisms. However, they may not be completely removed. Anti-inflammatory herbs relieve inflammation and remove residues after mechanical destruction.

It is also often used to lubricate inflamed areas of the throat and tonsils. Hydroperite, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroperite tablets are used. An aqueous solution is made from hydroperite: 1 tablet is added to 150 ml of warm water and dissolved. Hydrogen peroxide 3% is used in its pure form. Then take a clean cotton swab, soak it in the hydrogen peroxide solution and quickly lubricate the inflamed areas: the tonsil area, lymphatic tongues, root of the tongue, pharynx. In this case, it is recommended to press the root of the tongue firmly with a spatula. In extreme cases, if there is no spatula, it is permissible to use a spoon from the opposite end. If a person has an increased and hypertrophied gag reflex, this method will not work. Then it is better to resort not to lubricating the throat, but to gargling.

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Proportions and how to dilute hydrogen peroxide for gargling

The following proportion is observed: a tablespoon of peroxide is dissolved in a glass of warm water. Hydroperite tablets can also be used: one tablet is dissolved in a glass of water.

It is important to follow basic precautions. Avoid contact with eyes. This may be dangerous for the condition of the eyes and vision. If it is not possible to avoid the substance getting into the eye, it is necessary to rinse it with clean water. You should consult an ophthalmologist, even if no visible disorders are detected. You can use moisturizers or anti-inflammatory agents to prevent burns and inflammation.

The rules for diluting the solution must be strictly followed, otherwise, instead of a positive effect, you can get a chemical burn of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and pharynx. In this regard, it is also not recommended to use the peroxide solution for rinsing more often than 5 times a day. There should be a period of 3-4 hours between rinsing. After rinsing the throat with peroxide, you need to rinse it with warm water or anti-inflammatory herbs. Also, in no case should you swallow peroxide, as this can cause serious disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Self-medication is also prohibited.

Application for children

It is highly recommended not to use peroxide solution for children. This is due to the fact that their mucous membrane is more sensitive and susceptible, and is more easily damaged by chemicals. Otolaryngologists prescribe peroxide in the most extreme cases to treat children over 12 years of age. Also, in some emergency cases, peroxide is used for younger children. In this case, a reduced dosage of peroxide is used. Children under 6 years of age are strictly prohibited from using peroxide even in emergency cases, since the child can swallow the solution, which will cause severe gastrointestinal disorders and severe poisoning.

For children over 12 years of age, the peroxide solution is prescribed according to the following scheme: a dessert spoon of 3% peroxide solution is diluted in a glass of warm water and used for gargling or lubricating the throat and nasopharynx.

Children are recommended to use not pure hydrogen peroxide, but as part of various ointments, creams, and other products. You can prepare an antiseptic yourself using hydrogen peroxide. Let's look at some recipes.

An ointment made from the petals of a spring blooming dandelion with the addition of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution has proven itself well. To prepare it, you need to take about 25 grams of dandelion flowers, wash them, remove the remaining water (dry with a dry towel). Then cut into small pieces, after which add 2-3 tablespoons of peroxide solution. Infuse for an hour, then use to gargle.

The mixture is also used as a compress for application to the front surface of the throat, or to the tops of the lungs in case of a strong cough. This mass is taken and applied in a thin layer to the affected area. It is advisable to warm it up and apply it so that it is still hot. Repeat this daily until the pain and burning from the sore throat disappear. If the mass thickens, you can dilute it in half a glass of warm water and apply it to the skin.

An ointment made from butter, hydrogen peroxide and honey also works well. To prepare the ointment, take about 50 grams of honey, melt it in a water bath, add 5-10 grams of butter, stir until a homogeneous mass is formed, remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Allow to harden, then apply a thin layer to the affected area (lubricate the throat from the inside). It can also be used as a compress for application to the front surface of the throat. You can smear it up to three times a day. Duration of treatment is until complete recovery.

Potato starch with the addition of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. For 50 grams of starch, take 2-3 tablespoons of peroxide, mix thoroughly. When rinsing, it quickly eliminates inflammation and reduces the manifestation of any symptoms of angina. To prepare a solution for rinsing, you need a teaspoon of the mixture per glass of warm water. After rinsing, rinse with clean warm water. Rinse 3-4 times a day until the symptoms disappear completely.

Oil from wild rosemary herb helps to eliminate the symptoms of sore throat in a short period. Take 2 tablespoons of the herb and pour 5 tablespoons of boiled hot sunflower oil. Allow to brew for 2-3 hours, then add 2 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Use as a compress on the throat, and also as a gargle solution (a teaspoon per glass of water).

A mixture of lavender with chamomile + 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is suitable for both rinsing and external application. Add one tablespoon of the herb to a glass of boiling water. Brew for an hour. Add 2 tablespoons of peroxide, then begin rinsing according to the scheme. On the first day, rinse every 30 minutes, on the second day you can every 1.5-2 hours. Then move on to rinsing three times until the symptoms of angina completely disappear.

A rub of hydrogen peroxide with baby cream will help quickly eliminate inflammation, pain, and burning. Take 20 grams of cream, add a tablespoon of baby cream, mix thoroughly until a homogeneous state is formed. Rub into the front surface of the throat, sternum, and shoulder blade area (for severe cough). Can be used as a compress. Keep the compress for 30 minutes. Remove and lubricate with Vaseline or another oil-based product.

The following mixture can also be used for rinsing: take 1 tablespoon of sea buckthorn berries, ground chamomile grass and calendula seeds. Mix with 50 grams of Vaseline, add 2 tablespoons of 35 hydrogen peroxide, bring to a homogeneous mass. Then apply a thin layer to the affected areas.

A remedy based on fir extract and grape seed oil has also proven itself well. These two components are mixed, after 10 minutes, 2 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide are added. Stir, use as a compress, and also for rinsing. For rinsing, it is necessary to dissolve 2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture in a glass of warm water.

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Use hydrogen peroxide for a sore throat during pregnancy

This is not the best remedy during pregnancy and lactation. It is better to opt for safer means of therapy. Pregnancy is a period when the body's sensitivity increases significantly and its susceptibility and reactivity change. During this period, individual intolerance and increased sensitivity develop in relation to many means. Many side effects can develop, so it is not recommended to use hydrogen peroxide for sore throat during pregnancy. It can significantly worsen well-being, cause intoxication, and cause a chemical burn.

Contraindications

There are practically no complications. The exceptions are cases of individual intolerance to the substance, as well as allergic reactions. It is not recommended to use in childhood, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Side effects hydrogen peroxide for a sore throat

In general, the use of peroxide is rarely accompanied by side effects. However, there may be a burning sensation and irritation in the treated areas. In most cases, stopping treatment is not required; it is enough to simply reduce the concentration of peroxide. It is necessary to avoid swallowing and after gargling, rinse the throat with warm clean water or herbal decoctions.

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Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Hydrogen peroxide for sore throat in adult and child" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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