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Pain from sore throat is a principal symptom for which patients with pharyngitis seek medical attention. Steroids inhibit inflammation and therefore might relieve symptoms of pharyngitis. Researchers performed a meta-analysis of eight randomized placebo-controlled trials that evaluated steroid treatment in 743 outpatients (369 children and 374 adults) with sore throats. Steroids were administered orally in four trials (dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg or 10 mg, prednisone 60 mg for 1 or 2 days), intramuscularly in three (dexamethasone 8 or 10 mg, betamethasone 8 mg), and by both routes in one. All patients received antibiotics.
Overall, 47% of patients had exudative pharyngitis, and 44% tested positive for group A β-hemolytic streptococcus. Patients …