I need, I mean REALLY NEED, your sore throat remedies...Please!!

[ScreamingMeemie]

Salt water didn't work, tea didn't work...I am a big baby when it comes to sore throats and this one is a monster.

Thanks Wonderful DUers!!

Laura :hug:

[molly]

1. You need to see a doctor

there is too much crap going around.

[jbfam4]

4. I agree with Molly

please go to the Dr. You may have strep. Take care.

[molly]

10. OK - I have tons of atni-biotics around here - stocked up

I have had a respiratory "bug" for over a month. I finally started self-medicating a few days ago. Nothing helped and I was getting worse and worse. The only way I could breath was to sit up - even sleeping. I finally went to the doc today - put it off because I arrogantly thought I could fix it myself. I am now on levoflaxin with the initial 6 day treatment of steroids. If I am not better in 6 days, I'll start another 6 days of treatment. If I'm not better after that - well? The point of this story is that I should have gone to the doc a long time ago - things don't always get better with time.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

47. Antibiotics don't work for viruses they just have to run their courses...

You can't be sure what you have isn't a virus, and you could be just creating antibiotic resistant strains of certain things. Not agood. You really shouldn't abuse antibiotics. It's kinda dangerous. What if you get sick with something and none of the antibiotics work? I'm just saying be careful.
Duckie

[ScreamingMeemie]

23. Thanks jbfam.

I will if it is not gone by tomorrow.

:hug: Laura

[ScreamingMeemie]

22. Thanks molly. Due to an immune deffiency I go on courses of antibiotics.

Right now I am off of them. But you are right and I will call tomorrow if it is not better.

Thanks again.

:hug: Laura

[trotsky]

2. Just plain Tylenol works for me.

Seriously. Knocks the pain right out.

[ScreamingMeemie]

24. Thank you trotsky. I hadn't done any medication yet, but I think it is

getting to that point.

Thanks you again.

:hug: Laura

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Apple cidar vinegar and water

1 tsp apple cidar vinegar to 8 oz glass of water. Gargle and then swallow. When my throat is really bad I increase the amount of vinegar.

[ScreamingMeemie]

25. Ooh, I'll have to try that. I hadn't hear of that one.

Thanks ayeshahaqqiqa!

:hug: Laura

[radwriter0555]

5. 4 ibuprofin; 800 mgs will make it all go away.

And it will reduce any fever as well.

[Gman]

14. If you do this be sure to eat some crackers or something

Don't take 800 mg on an empty stomach because it can cause stomach damage. Its ok to do and it works real well. Just don't take it on an empty stomach.

800 mg is the prescription dose of ibuprophen. There's always a label on the prescription dose telling you to take it with food.

[ScreamingMeemie]

26. Thank you rad. I have a prescription in the cupboard of Ibuprofen.

Now if I could just cram it past the raw mess that is my throat.

Thank you so much,

Laura :hug:

[BlackVelvetElvis]

6. I had strep once, and took motrin

I was amazed at how well that worked.
If you have spots on your tonsils, please go see a doctor.

[ScreamingMeemie]

28. Thank you BlackVelvet. I think I'm going to end up having to do that

tomorrow if this doesn't go away.

:hug: Laura

[Blue_State_Elitist]

7. Tonsils Removed

:)

[Pithlet]

12. I wish that were true.

It wasn't for me. I had mine removed as a kid, and can remember the doctor telling me I'd never have another sore throat. Boy, did I feel ripped off after that. It is true that they've never been quite as bad as when I had tonsillitis, though.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

20. That's not exactly true

I got mine out when I was 9 and still get sore throats frequently.

[ScreamingMeemie]

29. Oooh, I hope not!

;)

[northofdenali]

8. Till you can get to the doc, MrsG -

try eucalyptus chips. They are strong, true, but really seem to help. Natural food stores sometimes carry them in bulk. Hope you feel better! :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

30. Thank north, I hadn't heard of that one either.

I think I may just try that.

Thanks again,

:hug: Laura

[northofdenali]

52. Eucalyptus is kind of the "natural" ingredient, it mimics

whatever it is in Chloraseptic that numbs your throat. You're welcome, just get better! :loveya:

[snoochie]

9. Chloraseptic throat spray

It has a topical anaesthetic (sp?) in it.

Wal-Mart's brand (I know! :() has phenol, which is supposedly better, because treats the infection - not sure if it's true - heard from a family member. But it does work.

[ScreamingMeemie]

31. Thanks snoochie. I thought we had some of that here, but apparently

we ran out. :(

:hug: Laura

[Pithlet]

11. I wish I could give you one.

:hug: I'm a big baby about sore throats, too. Nothing ever seems to work with me, and when I get one, it's always bad. I can take just about any other symptom.

I hope your sore throat gets better soon.

[ScreamingMeemie]

33. Thank you Pithlet. It's good to know I am not alone in being a baby

about it. I can handle anything but sore throats.

Thanks,

:hug: Laura

[Gman]

13. If its that bad, go to the Dr tomorrow and find out if its strep throat

Also, are you running a fever? A high fever? If so, it very well could be Strep. Strep's very contagious and can lead to complications.

For now, if you're running a fever, alternate taking 2 extra strength tylenol/acetominophen (sp?) and 2 hours later take 2 200 mg Advil/ibuprophen. This will be good for the pain and the fever. A lot of times taking a decongestant will also help with the sore throat as it will reduce your swollen glands.

Drink lots of liquids, stay away from everyone else, and wipe down anything you touch as, again, strep is highly contagious.

[ScreamingMeemie]

34. Thank you Gman. I am just a little warm. I was thinking it could

be the weather changes because the throat is the only symptom, otherwise I am fine and active. I think I will go see the doctor to be sure tomorrow if it's not gone.

Thanks again,

:hug: Laura

[baldguy]

15. Rum. Lots and lots of rum.

It doesn't make your throat stop hurting, but you don't care as much either.

[ScreamingMeemie]

35. Hah! Thanks baldguy!

Only problem...I'd be puking and having a sore throat.

:hug: Laura

[Catshrink]

53. I'd say bourbon, but same effect...

Make yourself some tea, add some lemon and a healthy shot of bourbon. Maybe a little honey. Drink two or three of these and you won't care about anything.

[southerngirlwriter]

16. Anne Lamott mentions this in her book

and I've used it, and it works.

Hot water. Drink a glass of hot water -- as hot as you can stand it without burning your tongue.

It works well for me.

Good luck!! :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

36. I'll try that one right now!

It's free and I hope it works!

Thanks again,

:hug: Laura

[bleedingheart]

17. how often are you doing the salt gargle??

I did it very frequently but my throat was way too sore even after gargling every hour...it ended up being strep throat..

[ScreamingMeemie]

37. I was doing the same..every hour. And now it hurts too much.

Thanks bleedingheart. I sure hope it goes away tomorrow.

:hug: Laura

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

18. I have the same problem!!

I don't know what to do about it :(

[ScreamingMeemie]

38. Here is a get well hug for you and I hope we get relief soon! I am hoping

it's the weather, but I really really hate it. Then I get all sobby and it hurts worse. :(

Great big healing hugs,

:hug: Laura

[amazona]

19. I eat raw garlic

But any companions in the home may object. It works wonders though. Follow with a hot buttered rum made with LOTS of honey and lemon -- spoon standing up straight time. Much easier on the liver than Tylenol-PM and much more enjoyable too.

Get well sooN!

[ScreamingMeemie]

39. Thank you amazona. At this point I don't care what MrGrumpy thinks,

I'm ready to eat a whole clove!

Thanks

:hug: Laura

[fishnfla]

21. Zinc Tablets

lots of 'em. I'm the same way with wicked sore throats, it works everytime.

If that doesnt work, whiskey,lemon and honey warmed up

[ScreamingMeemie]

40. I've been sucking on "Get Better Bears". They are zinc sore throat

pops for kids. They have eased the pain a little bit. But I need to keep one in my mouth almost constantly. I wonder if the zinc tablets would have more zinc in them?
Thanks,

:hug: Laura

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

44. Mm

I'm going to get some of those. :)

[VOX]

55. Agreed, zinc lozenges are the way to go. Look for Quantum brand...

"Cold Season + Zinc Lozenges." The come in several flavors, but I recommend the orange. They coat your tongue and kill the taste of your food, but for the last four years, when I've been hit with a sore throat, these lozenges have either stopped it dead, or made its duration far shorter.

I truly fear a sore throat, since there's usually a whopping case of flu/cold coming along behind it. But the zinc has changed that.

Can you take it easy tomorrow, Mrs. Grumpy?

Hang in there -- :hug:

[shoopnyc123]

27. FRESH Ginger Tea, with Cayenne Pepper, Lemon, and Honey...

...Opera Singer stuff. Hope it helps! Peel and boil the ginger, not much Cayenne!

[ScreamingMeemie]

41. Thank you shoop! I will have to try that one too. I am printing all of thi

off. I am desparate.

Thanks again,

:hug: Laura

[phoebe]

46. amen n/t

n/t

[AndyP]

32. Drinking warm water or tea

Helps if you need to talk (or sing) soon. It's a temp remedy. I've got the same thing, but I can't miss class to rest so I'll prolly have whatever it is that I have for a week or so. My girlfriend will take care of me though :7

[ScreamingMeemie]

43. There are a few of us in this boat it seems. I think it may be the weather

changing. It's danged annoying ain't it. MrGrumpy sleeping..no care from there. ;) My littlest one did rub my shoulders though. :7

:hug: Feel better! Laura

[Crowdance]

42. Roasted salt wrap

I know this sounds impossible, but it works. Roast a cup of salt in a cast iron pan until hot. Wrap in a thin cloth, like a handkerchief. Apply to throat. When it cools off, roast it again. This really works.

[phoebe]

45. chop up one large onion and add about a quarter cup of honey

gently heat for about an hour over low heat. It sounds awful but it's fantastic and you don't tast the onion. The honey is healing and the combination coats your throat and allows you to sip/eat other warm products without burning your throat.

To make your body feel warm and your throat less scratchy a slice of raw ginger in hot water and sweeten with honey. Sip slowly. (Sometimes when I have a sore throat the rest of me feels cold and my thoat feels on fire and the ginger tea feels very good)

feel better soon..

[ET Awful]

48. Chammomile tea, honey, lemon, echinacea, sleep, repeat :)

works for me!

[peacebuzzard]

49. Me too! I lost my voice twice today while talking on phone!

I am using Zicam and zinc lozenges ibuprophen and allegra and lots of juice. Also made fresh tomato sauce for dinner. And fresh salad. I am feeling better. Last night I had chills and body rushes and a very scratchy throat. It is better tho. Zicam is very effective. (homeopathic zinc nasal spray)

[peacebuzzard]

50. Zinc! Zinc! it works....

:*

[caledesi]

51. Take a swig of mouthwash and swallow. It works! nt

[yellowdawgdem]

54. Theraflu can be helpful

I finally tried it, and it worked pretty good. Somebody also recommended brun-heil, not sure if that's the right spelling. I think you get that at an organic type place. Maybe you should see a doctor, though, as there are so many different types of flu's and so forth this year.

[cryfordawn]

56. Peroxide

Gargle with peroxide every few hours. It'll be gone by tomorrow. Really works too.

[arwalden]

57. Aspirin and CVS Benzocane Losenges

Also... NO SMOKING!!!! NO TALKING!!!!

-- Allen