FitSugar

Home Remedy: Soothe Sore Throats

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:15:00 -0800

Sore throats are a common side effect of colds and flu, but also of dry, over-heated homes. Postnasal drip from colds and open-mouth breathing due to nasal congestion can both create sore throats. Although sore throats like these are generally worse in the morning and calm down as the day progresses, it is still nice to soothe the pain. At least you can swallow without pain and eat. Here are some home remedies for soothing a sore throat:

Gargle several times a day with warm salt water using 1/2 tsp. of salt in 1 cup warm water.
Some people find relief by gargling warm water mixed with cayenne, but do not exceed 1/8 tsp. of the hot stuff. The pepper acts like an anesthetic and numbs the pain.
Tea or simply warm water sweetened with honey, which can help relieve coughing, too.
Combine many of the above treatments together and add some vinegar! This spicy, old home remedy is made by adding one tsp. of apple-cider vinegar, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, juice from 1/4 lemon, and one tsp. honey to a cup of hot water. Drink four cups per day.

To see a few more soothing techniques, just read more

Cold liquids or popsicles help some sore throats and this is a winning technique with children, young and old.
Sucking on hard candies or throat lozenges (I like Ricola cough drops) can be very soothing, because it increases saliva production and helps keep the throat moist.
Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and sooth a dry and painful throat.
You can always try over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen to help dull the pain.

Not all sore throats can be treated or cured with home remedies. Please review this post When a Sore Throat Needs Medical Attention for symptoms that should send you to a doctor.

Do you have a home remedy for sore throats. Tell me about it in the comments section below.

Source

When a Sore Throat Needs Medical Attention

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:30:00 -0800

Last month we went over the signs and symptoms of realizing when a stomach ache may require a visit to the doctor. And just recently we reviewed when to seek medical attention for earaches. Since cold and flu season is upon us, I figured it would be good to also highlight the signs and symptoms of when a sore throat may require a visit to the doctor.

Sore throat that comes on rapidly
Difficulty swallowing
Headaches
Fever, sometimes greater than 102° F
A raw, red appearance to the back of the throat
White pus on tonsils
Tender, high lymph nodes in neck
Rash
Absence of a cough, stuffy nose, or other upper-respiratory symptoms

Source

Symptoms of Strep Throat

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Where I live strep throat is already going around. It seems early to me, but bacterial infections unfortunately don't operate on my schedule. Strep flourishes in cold weather, and stress, exhaustion, as well as fighting off viral infections can weaken your body's defenses setting you up for an attack of strep throat. When it comes to strep, you want to catch it early before it depletes your health and you don't want to spread the contagious bacteria around.

Here are the symptoms to watch out for:

Sore throat that comes on rapidly
Headaches
A raw, red appearance to the back of the throat
White pus on tonsils
Tender, high lymph nodes in neck
Rash on the body that feels like sandpaper
Absence of a cough, stuffy nose, or other upper-respiratory symptoms

The incubation period for strep is 2 to 5 days and the infection is usually treated with a 10 day course of antibiotics.

Source

A Few Tips on Soothing a Sore Throat

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I always get an irritating (physically and figuratively) sore throat as the seasons change. While my sore throat is usually related to allergies, many of us get sore throats when we get colds (even if it's still warm out).

Cold season is creeping up on us now that the kids are back to school. So in a tribute to back-to-school (and my allergies), here are some tips on how to soothe a sore throat:

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen.
Gargle a few times daily with a warm salt water solution, created with one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water.
Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges throughout the day to keep the throat moist.
Eat a frozen dessert, such as a popsicle or ice cream, to soothe the throat.
In the less humid months of winter, keep a humidifier going in the bedroom while you sleep, and in other rooms you frequent during the day.
Drink plenty of fluids.

Source

Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:12:36 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen), Dextromethorphan (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)

Treats minor pain, relieves cough, and reduces fever.

Brand Name(s)

Tylenol Cough & Sore Throat, Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Sore Throat, Good Sense Children's Triacting Cough & Sore Throat, Good Sense Cough & Sore Throat, Quality Choice Cough & Sore Throat, Good Sense Infants' Pain Relief Plus Cough

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or dextromethorphan. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol may increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take this medicine without asking your doctor.
Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen or dextromethorphan, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of medicine.
Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Excedrin® Migraine, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver or kidney disease. Ask your doctor before using this medicine if you smoke, or if you have breathing problems such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you develop new symptoms such as redness or swelling. If you have been using this medicine for a fever and the fever lasts longer than 3 days, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.
Call your doctor if you have a severe sore throat that lasts more than 2 days, or if you also have a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

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A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5522

Benzocaine/menthol (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:42 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Benzocaine (BEN-zoe-kane), Menthol (MEN-thole)

Temporarily relieves sore throat or mouth pain, minor mouth irritation, or pain caused by canker sores. This medicine is an oral anesthetic.

Brand Name(s)

Sore Throat, Chloraseptic, QC Sore Throat Lozenges, Cepacol Sore Throat, Cepacol, Cepacol Maximum Strength

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You or your child should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to benzocaine, menthol, or other local anesthetics, such as butacaine, procaine, or any other "caine" anesthetic.

How to Use This Medicine

Lozenge

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Allow the lozenge to slowly dissolve in your mouth.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Fever.
Headache.
Increased irritation, pain, or redness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Rash or swelling.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5597

Analgesic/antihistamine/antitussive (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:12:39 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats minor sore throat, cough, body aches, runny nose, and fever.

Brand Name(s)

Diabetic Tussin, Diabetic Tussin Night Time Formula, Good Sense Night Time Cold & Flu Relief, Nite-Time Cold/Flu Relief, All-Nite, Rite Aid Nite Time Cold/Flu Formula, Quality Choice NightTime Cold Medicine, Good Sense Good Sense Night Time Cold & Flu Relief, Tylenol Cough & Sore Throat, Diabetic Tussin Cold & Flu, Rite Aid Flu, Rite Aid Children's Plus, Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Runny Nose, Quality Choice Cough & Sore Throat, Good Sense Cough & Sore Throat

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of cold medicine. Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Do not take more than 4 doses of this medicine (8 tablespoons) in one day.
Measure this medicine with the medicine cup provided in the package, or with a marked measuring spoon or oral syringe.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.
Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not also contain acetaminophen.
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you smoke or have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or a chronic cough.
Do not give this medicine to a child under 12 years old unless your doctor tells you to.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Fever that lasts longer than 3 days.
Lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, sweating.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
Ongoing cough with headache and skin rash.
Redness, swelling, or any new symptoms.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5526

Analgesic/antitussive/decongestant (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:12:41 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats the symptoms of cold and flu, such as cough, sore throat, fever, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches.

Brand Name(s)

Tylenol Cold, Vicks Dayquil Multi-Symptom, 666 Cold Preparation, Triaminic Sore Throat Formula, Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe, Leader Day-Time Multi-Symptom Cold/Flu, Good Sense Day Time Cold & Flu, Rite Aid Day Time Cold/Flu Formula, Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom, Triaminic Cough & Sore Throat, Leader Pain Relief Cold PE, Comtrex Cold & Cough, Theraflu Flu Cold & Cough, Sudafed Severe Cold Formula, Tylenol Flu Maximum Strength

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of cold medicine, or if you have severe high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Tablet, Capsule

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Do not take more than 4 doses of this medicine (8 tablespoons) in one day.
Measure this medicine with the medicine cup provided in the package, or with a marked measuring spoon or oral syringe.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.
Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not also contain acetaminophen.
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma, high blood pressure, or an enlarged prostate. Your doctor should know if you smoke or have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or a chronic cough.
Do not give this medicine to a child under 12 years old unless your doctor tells you to.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Fever that lasts longer than 3 days.
Lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, sweating.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
Ongoing cough with headache and skin rash.
Redness, swelling, or any new symptoms.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Nervousness, dizziness, or drowsiness.
Trouble sleeping.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5528

Sore throat

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:04:24 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Throat anatomy

Strep throat

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

A sore throat is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. A sore throat often makes it painful to swallow.

Alternative Names

Throat - sore; Pain - throat

Considerations

Sore throats are common. Most of the time the soreness is worse in the morning and improves as the day progresses.

Like colds, the vast majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections. This means most sore throats will NOT respond to antibiotics. Many people have a mild sore throat at the beginning of every cold. When the nose or sinuses become infected, drainage can run down the back of the throat and irritate it, especially at night. Or, the throat itself can be infected.

Some viruses can cause specific types of sore throat. For example, Coxsackievirus sometimes causes blisters in the throat, especially in the late summer and early fall. Mononucleosis and the flu can also cause specific viral throat infections.

Strep throat is the most common bacterial cause of sore throat. Because strep throat can occasionally lead to rheumatic fever, antibiotics are given. Strep throat often includes a fever (greater than 101°F), white, draining patches on the throat, and swollen or tender lymph glands in the neck. Children may have a headache and stomach pain.

A sore throat is less likely to be strep throat if it is a minor part of a typical cold (with runny nose, stuffy ears, cough, and similar symptoms). Strep can NOT be accurately diagnosed by looking at the throat alone. It requires a laboratory test.

Sometimes breathing through the mouth will cause a sore throat in the absence of any infection. During the months of dry winter air, some people will wake up with a sore throat most mornings. This usually disappears after having something to drink.

In addition, allergies (allergic rhinitis) can cause a sore throat.

With a sore throat, sometimes the tonsils or surrounding parts of the throat are inflamed. Either way, removing the tonsils to try to prevent future sore throats is not recommended for most children.

Common Causes

Breathing through the mouth (can cause drying and irritation of the throat)
Common cold
Viral pharyngitis
Influenza
Strep throat (caused by streptococcal bacteria)
Infectious mononucleosis
Fish, chicken bone, or other foreign substance stuck in the throat. (For emergency actions, see choking child or adult or CPR.)
Endotracheal intubation (tube insertion)
Surgery such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

Home Care

Most sore throats are soon over. In the meantime, the following remedies may help:

Drink warm liquids. Honey or lemon tea is a time-tested remedy.
Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).
Cold liquids or popsicles help some sore throats.
Sucking on hard candies or throat lozenges can be very soothing, because it increases saliva production. This is often as effective as more expensive remedies, but should not be used in young children because of the choking risk.
Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat.
Try over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen. Do NOT give aspirin to children.

Antibiotics are usually NOT wise in the absence of a positive strep test or throat culture.

Call your health care provider if

Call your provider if there is:

Severe difficulty swallowing or breathing
Excessive drooling in a young child
A fever, especially 101°F or greater
Tender or swollen lymph glands in the neck
Pus in the back of the throat
A red rash that feels rough, and increased redness in the skin folds

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination. He or she may want to know some details about the sore throat, such as:

How long has the sore throat been present?
Have other family members had recent sore throats?
Is the pain increasing, staying the same, or decreasing?
Are you able to swallow saliva, fluids, and food?
Is there excessive drooling (in infants)?
Are you hoarse?
Is it worse at night? Are you able to sleep?
Are you breathing through your mouth?
Is the soreness better in the morning? Better with moist air or mist? Better with medication?
What other symptoms are also present -- noisy breathing, fever, wheezing, allergies, rash?
Have you had a recent injury or surgery?
Are there swollen lymph glands in your neck?
Are there sores or pus in the back of your throat?
Is there a sensation of gagging?
What medications are you taking?
What is your typical daily diet?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

Complete blood count
Monospot test (to rule out mononucleosis)
Throat culture and rapid strep test

Treatment

Usually, treatment will be delayed until the culture results are known. Doctors will often begin treatment of a sore throat immediately if there is a family history of rheumatic fever, if the patient has scarlet fever, or if rheumatic fever is commonly occurring in the community at the time. Otherwise, antibiotics should NOT be given without a positive strep test (culture or rapid strep test).

When antibiotics are started, it is important to complete the entire course as directed, even after symptoms improve. Children can return to school or day care 24 hours after antibiotics are started.

For a sore throat caused by infectious mononucleosis, rest and home treatment is recommended.

For a sore throat caused by bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotic treatment may be recommended. Some tonsillitis is viral and will clear up without treatment (surgery is rarely necessary). Recurrent or persistent sore throats without bacterial infection may be due to allergies and require anti-allergy treatment.

Prevention

Clean your hands frequently, especially before eating. This is a powerful way to help prevent many sore throat infections. You might avoid some sore throats by reducing contact with people with sore throats, but often these people are contagious even before they have symptoms, so this approach is less effective.

Not too long ago, tonsils were commonly removed in an attempt to prevent sore throats. This is no longer recommended in most circumstances.

A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier can prevent some sore throats caused by breathing dry air with an open mouth.

References

Wald ER. Diagnosing and treating strep throat. Fam Pract Manag. 2004;11(2): 20.

Review Date: 10/23/2007

Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, M.D., FAAP., Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003053

Just a Spoonful of Honey

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:28 -0800

It's that time of year when dry coughs begin to interfere with sleep. You lie down and start coughing, and the coughing keeps you up. Never fear, there's a natural fix for the problem: honey.

The amber liquid has been found to ease nighttime coughs. It is believed that honey helps ease coughs for a variety of reasons. Not only does it soothe sore throats because it is a humectant, helping trap moisture where it is needed, but honey is also high in antioxidants and has antimicrobial effects. Try a teaspoon before bed and see if it helps.

Source: Flickr User biskuit