I've had a sore throat for about a week now. It hurts to swallow, I also have a stuffy nose, a cough. I had a fever before and a head ache too. But they both went away leaving me with only a sore throat and a cough and runny nose.
I think I am going to the doctor's tomorrow. I think the doctor will do a throat culture and test for strep throat. I don't know...I have a feeling the doctor will not know what's wrong and I will be left with a sickness unknown. UGH. help. will the antibiotics help me??
2006-12-28 13:33:45 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
and my ears are popping like i am on an airplane. ****.
2006-12-28 13:37:56 · update #1
The best way to reduce the discomfort of sore throat is to take pain meds like Tylenol or Advil (acetominofen or Ibuprofen).
Warm beverages and soups are also soothing to the throat.
Gargling with warm salt water is effective at soothing and also for helping to reduce the viral infection. Good oral hygiene when you are sick is also good -- brushing your teeth and using antiseptic mouthwash (like Listerine brand) are helpful to reduce the level of viruses in your mouth.
There are also tons of products such as throat lozenges and throat sprays that are soothing. For lozenges, I have found that the most effective active ingredient is:
hexylresorcinol
But there are not very many products that have it. Instead you will probably be able to find products containing other active ingredients.
The brand Cepacol is generally the most effective lozenges available (in the USA). Here is their website:
http://www.cepacol.com/pharmacist.asp
2006-12-30 13:14:31 · answer #1 · answered by barefootboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might just have strep throat. Go to the doctors and I guarantee you he will know what is a matter. If you need immediate medicine take Zicam. You can get it at a local pharmacy in Walmart or any other store with over-the-counter drugs. I took this and it was like night and day with the way I felt and it helped me recover faster. Hope you feel better in time to have a Happy New Year!
2006-12-28 21:45:19 · answer #2 · answered by Michael C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like ear infection. Sometimes after a head cold your ears don't drain properly. You may also have strep throat. Go to the doctor's and get tested. Antibiotics will help if that's what it is.
2006-12-28 22:08:12 · answer #3 · answered by Cynthia H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your doctor will know what's wrong. I had the step one time, was in bed, out of work for 8 days. If it is strep youre not going to want to eat or drink anything and it will not be fun at all. But in the meantime drink warm liquids and suck on lozenges and/or hard candy to keep the saliva flowing. Keep checking your temperature and try to get some rest.
2006-12-28 21:40:01 · answer #4 · answered by molly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends if it is caused by a virus or bacteria. Antibiotics are only for bacterial infections. A lot of doctors over-prescribe antibiotics which is really bad. It makes germs stronger. You probably have just a really bad upper respiratory infection (often caused by a virus), your doctor will let you know. Hope you feel better soon!
2006-12-28 21:38:36 · answer #5 · answered by Naway 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you may just have the flu. usualy with strep your throat is the only issue nothing like a runny nose or cough but it hurts realy, realy, REALY BAD? yes what they perscribe will work. When I had strep it worked for me... HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER!!
2006-12-28 21:41:43 · answer #6 · answered by tlewiswork 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's from a bacterial infection, yes. If it's viral, no.
2006-12-28 21:38:16 · answer #7 · answered by ckm1956 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Antibiotics will not help... you may need counseling!
2006-12-28 21:37:42 · answer #8 · answered by Jay M 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋