Glossary

Ambroxol
Ambroxol is the active ingredient in Mucoangin® products. It blocks the pain-receptor mechanism at the site of the sore throat. Many state-of-the-art clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Ambroxol in relieving pain in acute sore throat. It has a fast onset of action and its effect lasts at least 3 hours.

Anaesthetic (local)
A substance that stops sensitivity to pain at a targeted area of the body and for a limited period of time. (Numbs the pain)

Antiseptic
A substance that kills or prevents the growth of disease-causing micro-organisms such as bacteria.

Bacteria
Also known as germs, these micro-organisms can infect the body and cause inflammation.

Bacitracin
An active ingredient in Lizipaina® with a local antibiotic action.

Cetylpyridinium chloride
A proven, effective antiseptic that kills bacteria and other microorganisms; an active ingredient in Lysopaine®.

Common cold
A common viral infection in which the mucus membrane of the nose and throat becomes inflamed, typically causing a sore throat, running nose and other similar symptoms.

Epiglottis
A leaf-shaped flap of tissue that lies just behind the base of the tongue and over the opening of the voice box and windpipe (trachea). The muscles of the throat open the epiglottis for breathing. During swallowing, the muscles lift the voice box and close the epiglottis to ensure food does not go down the windpipe.

Flu
An infection with influenza viruses that causes sore throat, chills and fever, aches and pains, headache and a general sense of weakness and discomfort.

Glandular fever
Also known as mononucleosis, mono or kissing disease, this is a viral infection that causes sore throat, fever, weight loss, swollen glands and fatigue. Diagnosis requires a medical test.

Influenza
See Flu.

Larynx
Also known as the voice box, this organ is located at the top of the trachea and contains the vocal chords.

Leucocytes
See white blood cells.

Lymph node
See lymph glands.

Lymph glands
Lymph glands are found all through the body, and appear as small swellings in the lymphatic system. They act as filters or traps for foreign particles. They are important in the proper functioning of the immune system.

Lysozyme
Part of the human immune system and is a natural form of protection from pathogens; an active ingredient in Lysopaine® and Lizipaina®.

Measles
A highly contagious viral infection that causes a rash of small red spots on the skin, as well as sore throat, fever, cough, red eyes and running nose.

Mononucleosis
See Glandular Fever

Node
See lymph glands

Oesophagus
Also known as the gullet or food pipe, this muscular organ pushes food down into the stomach.

Papain
A natural enzyme and an active ingredient in Lizipaina®.

Pharynx
The membrane-lined cavity behind the nose and mouth, connecting them to the oesophagus (the tube that transports food to the stomach) the voice box (larynx) at the top of the wind pipe (trachea).

Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx; a sore throat.

Soft palate
The boneless tissue that makes up the rear of the roof of the mouth. It closes off the nasal passages when we swallow.

Tonsils
Part of the immune system, tonsils are visible on either side of the throat – unless they have been surgically removed.

Trachea
Also known as the windpipe, this rigid tube channels air down to the lungs.

Uvula
The small teardrop-shaped piece of tissue that hangs from the back of the soft palate: it plays an important role in helping us speak.

White blood cells
Also known as leucocytes, these are special immune-system cells that circulate in the blood and body fluids. They are involved in counteracting foreign substances and fighting disease.