Throat lozenge facts for kids

Modern cough drops

A small tin of salmiak liquorice pastilles. These are sometimes used to help clear airways.

Valda Mint Eucalyptus Gumdrops

A throat lozenge is a small, sweet tablet you slowly dissolve in your mouth. You might also call it a cough drop or a cough sweet. These little helpers are designed to temporarily stop coughs. They also make your throat feel better when it's sore or irritated. This often happens when you have a common cold, influenza (the flu), or a sore throat. The word "lozenge" actually comes from their original diamond shape!

What's Inside a Throat Lozenge?

Throat lozenges contain special ingredients to help your throat feel better.

Soothing Ingredients

• Some lozenges have benzocaine. This is a mild medicine that numbs your throat a little bit. It helps stop the pain.
• Other lozenges use eucalyptus oil. This oil can make your throat feel cool and clear.
• Non-menthol lozenges often use zinc gluconate glycine or pectin. These ingredients are called "oral demulcents." They create a soothing layer over your irritated throat.
• Many popular brands, like Halls, contain menthol. Menthol gives that cool, tingly feeling.
• Peppermint oil and spearmint are also common. They add a fresh taste and help with the cooling effect.
• You can also find lozenges made with honey. Honey is a natural soother for sore throats.

How Lozenges Help Your Throat

The main goal of a throat lozenge is to calm irritation. When your throat is sore, it can hurt to swallow, breathe, or even drink. The ingredients in the lozenge work to make these actions more comfortable. As the lozenge slowly dissolves, it releases its soothing ingredients directly to your throat.

The History of Throat Lozenges

People have been trying to soothe sore throats for a very long time!

An old box of "Frog In Your Throat" lozenges from the early 1900s.

Ancient Remedies

The idea of candies to soothe the throat goes back thousands of years. Around 1000 BC, in ancient Egypt, people made early versions of throat sweets. They used honey mixed with citrus fruits, herbs, and spices. These ancient mixtures were likely the first cough drops!

Popular Throat Lozenge Brands

Many different companies make throat lozenges today. Here are some well-known brands you might see: