IRVINGTON, N.Y. — A consumer poll by Prestige Brands Inc., the maker of Chloraseptic products, and market researcher TABS Group reveals that sore throats often arise from other causes besides the typical seasonal effects.
Prestige Brands said Tuesday that the 2011 Chloraseptic Survey on Sore Throats, which surveyed about 900 people to explore the wide-ranging causes of sore throat pain and the remedies people use to treat them, finds that nonmedical and activity-based factors also account for a sizable percentage of sore throats, along with colds and the flu.
Of those polled, 72% cited cold and the flu as having caused sore throats, yet the prevalence of activity-based sore throats was not far behind as 28% suffered from sore throat pain because of cheering and screaming.
The survey also showed that individuals in certain professions are susceptible to sore throats. The careers most commonly associated with sore throat pain were singers (53%) and auctioneers (40%). Health care workers (47%) and teachers (37%) are also perceived to be at risk, possibly due to their constant exposure to airborne-illnesses.
In addition, the study found that 54% of respondents have sore throat pain caused by dry air. The winter season is a busy time for flights, ski trips and other outdoor and high-altitude activities, and those activities — combined with heated environments — heighten exposure to dryness, resulting in sore throats.
Other key findings of the 2011 Chloraseptic Survey on Sore Throats included the following:
• People under age 30 are over 80% more likely to have sore throat pain caused by excessive partying.
• Dry air was the most commonly cited cause for sore throats outside of any cold or the flu, as listed by 65% of respondents.
• Dehydration was cited by 18% of respondents.
• 55% of those polled listed throat pain relief as the top reason for buying a particular sore throat remedy brand, followed by 38% saying they buy a particular brand because it works instantly.
"The findings are a testament to the fact that during winter months, colds and the flu are not the only causes for sore throat pain; rather, there are many other causes as well," commented Jean Boyko, vice president of science and technology for Prestige Brands. "That is why it is important to always have OTC products like sore throat lozenges and sprays on hand."
The Chloraseptic line of over-the-counter sore throat relief products includes Chloraseptic Sore Throat lozenges, available in four original-strength flavors plus a sugar-free formula and a maximum strength Wild Berries flavor; Chloraseptic sprays, which come in a 6-ounce bottle in cherry, menthol and soothing citrus flavors, as well as a grape-flavored kids formula; and a smaller Chloraseptic Maximum Strength spray that comes in a 1-ounce bottle.
