Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Neosporin is recommended for application on sore lips. At her age, a sore throat can be due to many reasons and it is important to consult a doctor and know if she has any infection in the throat that is causing her soreness.

At 85 years, she might have an acute sore throat (if ii has developed over the last few days) or chronic sore throat (if it has been present for weeks). Going by your query I guess she is having acute sore throat. This is also known as acute pharyngitis and is often accompanied with painful swallowing and fever. Some of them also complain a lump feeling in the throat.

At her age most acute sore throat is caused by cold and flu viruses, bacterial infections, allergies and exposure to fumes.

It is important to get her sore throat addressed by a doctor and preferably the ENT specialist so as to make certain if she has an infection and to guide the right medications. Since she is elderly, it might happen that she will avoid drinking water and liquids and that can lead to dehydration and serious complications.

You have done the right thing by taking care of avoiding dehydration and making her drinking water. Next you should talk to your doctor and make arrangements to have her throat clinically examined and start higher medications like prescribed antibiotics which will be given by the treating doctor.

Till you reach a doctor, you can give her pain killers which are available as dispersible tablets over the counter and can be dissolved in water and given after a meal. This will give her comfort from pain and sore throat. Please make her eat small meals like porridge which are made of soft consistency and can be swallowed with least pain and discomfort.

Please make her drink water only in the sitting upright position to prevent water from entering the airway and lungs and that can also lead to aspiration which can become a serious condition.

Wishing her a quick recovery.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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