Original Extra Strong Lozenges are throat lozenges that combat cold symptoms and stop sore throats. Cough drops and throat lozenges are pretty much the same things - both relieve symptoms of sore throats and annoying coughs. But neither cure coughs or sore throats. They simply help soothe and ease symptoms.

Usually, sore throats are caused by viruses such as:

• The flu or a cold (viruses)
• Bacteria (A step) which leads to strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis)
• Allergies like hayfever
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke

With a sore throat, you'll experience pain when swallowing and your throat will feel scratchy and dry. Your sore throat may be caused by strep throat, a virus like a cold, other upper respiratory tract ailments or allergies. Be aware that a sore throat triggered by a virus or group A Streptococcus result in similar symptoms.

With a viral sore throat, you will experience:

• A runny nose
• Cough
• A raspy, breathy or strained voice (hoarseness)
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

With strep throat, symptoms include:

• Intense pain when swallowing
• Fever
• A painful throat that develops rapidly
• Swollen or red tonsils (sometimes with smears or patches of pus)
• Swollen lymph nodes at the front of your neck
• Little red spots on the top of your mouth