I've had a cold for over a week, and it's mostly my throat bothering me. It's itchy and scratchy. ANy tips on what to do?
2006-09-23 17:01:12 · 9 answers · asked by ASsundevils 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I would suggest that you first try the regular at home remedies. The one that always works for me is to gargle with salt and water. You want to drink a lot of fluids. You can then advance to throat lozenges and/or sprays if the salt and water doesn't work.
Considering you have had this going on for over a week I think the BEST thing to do is actually see a doctor. You could be suffering from strep throat and you need medication to treat that.
I wish you the best and a speedy recovery!!
:o)
2006-09-23 17:08:42 · answer #1 · answered by poetic princess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat can have many causes. Some of these are listed below:
Many common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some of the viruses that cause a sore throat can produce blisters in the mouth and throat ("aphthous stomatitis").
Breathing through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness.
Sinus drainage may cause a sore throat.
A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause as sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.
A sore throat that lasts for more than 2 weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.
What can I do at home for a sore throat?
Generally, sore throats must run their course (Exception: Strep throat will be addressed below). Salt water gargles, hard candies, sprays (for example, Chloraseptic) and lozenges can provide temporary pain relief. (Caution: Lozenges and hard candy are a choking hazard for children. Avoid their use in young children.) A humidifier may be helpful in relieving symptoms, especially in sore throats caused by mouth breathing and dry air. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help control the pain.
For adults, if your nose is plugged, nasal sprays, such as AFRIN, may be used for 2-3 days to prevent mouth breathing. It is NOT a good idea to use these products for more than a couple of days; you may become dependent on them. Other decongestant products, such as Sudafed, may be helpful. If you have health problems such as heart disease or high blood pressure, contact your health care professional before using these products.
2006-09-23 17:09:13 · answer #2 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, sore throats must run their course (Exception: Strep throat will be addressed below). Salt water gargles, hard candies, sprays (for example, Chloraseptic) and lozenges can provide temporary pain relief. (Caution: Lozenges and hard candy are a choking hazard for children. Avoid their use in young children.) A humidifier may be helpful in relieving symptoms, especially in sore throats caused by mouth breathing and dry air. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help control the pain.
For adults, if your nose is plugged, nasal sprays, such as AFRIN, may be used for 2-3 days to prevent mouth breathing. It is NOT a good idea to use these products for more than a couple of days; you may become dependent on them. Other decongestant products, such as Sudafed, may be helpful. If you have health problems such as heart disease or high blood pressure, contact your health care professional before using these products.
2006-09-23 17:04:52 · answer #3 · answered by Dom . 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HYDRATE - Drink LOTS of fluids, water, juices, anything.
Gargle with warm salt water.
Put a quarter size amount of iodine on the inside of each wrist. This is my mother-in-laws trick. It does WORK!
2006-09-23 17:09:11 · answer #4 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you heard of Propolis? It's from the bee. I have use this and it helped me. You can get this from the Health food Store but ask your doctor if this is ok for you to take.
2006-09-23 17:34:37 · answer #5 · answered by mae t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honey the best thing to do is go to the doctor,,u can't listen to everyone when it come down to ur health
2006-09-23 17:04:41 · answer #6 · answered by Sweetpea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could have strep so id go see a doctor and get your blood tested for strep
2006-09-24 07:40:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may be post nasal drip also try eating honey
2006-09-23 17:09:40 · answer #8 · answered by andrea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hot tea with honey....
Always works for me!!!
2006-09-23 17:09:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋