Upper respiratory infection that causes cough and sore throat is caused by inflammation of the pharynx, the area between your tonsils and your voice box. When respiratory viruses infect the pharynx, they inflame the area. The active ingredients of most leading cough, cold and sore throat products may mask symptoms for a short period of time, but actually worsen inflammation and may therefore exacerbate and prolong the illness. Biovanta is the only cough, cold and sore throat product that safely and effectively addresses the upper respiratory inflammation that causes cold symptoms.