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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Sore Throat
Question: Hi if you read my Files you will see I have posted questions recently regarding my Throat and Vocal Chords condition. The Doctor i was consulting with last time....said I should take a course of Anti Biotics....to clear the throat irritation I have....that was the after math of a bad Influenza this winer. The Chinese specialist said....she advises taking medication to counter Acid Reflux that could be causing the sore throat. I did not follow up on the Online Doctors instructions to take Ant Biotics. The Chinese Doctor said there was no sign of any lingering infection in my blood test. So what should I do....? after a week there is not much improvement....and I am doing every thing the Chinese Doctor said.. I am a New Zealander in China and I feel some what more secure consulting Western Medical Proffesionals.
I should add this problem has been ongoing for nearly 2 months.
I should add this problem has been ongoing for nearly 2 months.
Brief Answer:
Gurgling with lukewarm water is the mainstay of treatment
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through the details provided. Most often sore throat is caused due to one of two broad reasons A) Some viral infection like Influenza or Epstein Barr virus (what we call mono) B) A bacteria, Streptococcus in particular (what we call Strep throat). Sometimes acid reflux also can cause such a presentation. It is hard to conclude about the exact nature of the condition without clinical examination. But antibiotics are not generally required and I would not suggest that. In viral infections antibiotics are ineffective whereas in Strep throat, the antibiotics do not generally shorten the duration of infection. But its lasting for two months worries me. The things that I would suggest are:
* Take small but frequent meals. It will reduce the reflux.
* Avoid spicy food or long intervals between meals.
* Gurgle with lukewarm water twice or thrice a day. This is the mainstay of treatment. You may add Disprin dispersible tablet (aspirin) if you feel that you have pain. It will also reduce localized infection.
* Take some antiallergic like cetirizine tablet once at dinner for a few days. Most often such a condition is associated with some allergic components.
Try out the measures and I hope that you would get some relief.
Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha
Gurgling with lukewarm water is the mainstay of treatment
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through the details provided. Most often sore throat is caused due to one of two broad reasons A) Some viral infection like Influenza or Epstein Barr virus (what we call mono) B) A bacteria, Streptococcus in particular (what we call Strep throat). Sometimes acid reflux also can cause such a presentation. It is hard to conclude about the exact nature of the condition without clinical examination. But antibiotics are not generally required and I would not suggest that. In viral infections antibiotics are ineffective whereas in Strep throat, the antibiotics do not generally shorten the duration of infection. But its lasting for two months worries me. The things that I would suggest are:
* Take small but frequent meals. It will reduce the reflux.
* Avoid spicy food or long intervals between meals.
* Gurgle with lukewarm water twice or thrice a day. This is the mainstay of treatment. You may add Disprin dispersible tablet (aspirin) if you feel that you have pain. It will also reduce localized infection.
* Take some antiallergic like cetirizine tablet once at dinner for a few days. Most often such a condition is associated with some allergic components.
Try out the measures and I hope that you would get some relief.
Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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