Random Thought

According to Wikipedia, the definition of a Sore Throat is: A throat pain is a common physical symptom usually caused by acute pharyngitis, or throat inflammation, though it also occurs in a number of other situations, such as post trauma and in diphtheria. It can cause mild to extreme pain. Treatment for Sore throat is: Analgesics such as NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) and paracetamol (acetaminophen) help significantly in the management of pain.Steroids are also useful in this respect. The Mayo clinic mentions some tips, including gargling with warm, salty water, resting the voice and avoiding air pollution.

The following came from a website I found named Remedies. The discomfort of a sore throat can be from a number of reasons including a bacterial or viral infection to the throat. A scratchy, irritated throat can also be a result of laryngopharyngeal reflux. If there are white spot on tonsils and sore throat pain, this may be a result of a viral contagious infection which will respond to antibiotics. If a high fever, enlarged lymph nodes, rash, or continuous pain for several days is present, it is best to see a doctor for the appropriate medication. Untreated strep throat can lead to other serious health conditions like kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. Bacterial infections may not necessarily need antibiotics. However, there are some sore throat home remedies which may ease the symptoms of any type of sore throat, whether antibiotics are also needed or not.

Here are ten of the top sore throat home remedies:

1. Have a cup of something warm like tea with a bit of honey or lemon.

2. Blend a half teaspoon of salt to a cup of water and gargle with this mixture several time a day.

3. While sore throat remedies include drinking warm liquids, a cold popsicle or frozen fruit bar would also be as soothing to some.

4. Throat lozenges or hard candies will increase the saliva and be very helpful for a sore throat. Since this can be a choking hazard, this remedy is best for adults only.

5. Keep moisture in the air by use of a humidifier or vaporizer. If you do not have one handy, add steam in the air by boiling a big pot of water for a few minutes.

6. Take a long, steamy shower. This will be beneficial just as a humidifier would be.

7. Over the counter medications like acetaminophen should be used for pain. Children should not be given aspirin products.

8. Analgesic spray squirted to the throat is a topical treatment to ease pain.

9. To keep you throat sufficiently lubricated, drink plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses per day.

10. Get plenty of rest so your body has the full strength to fight the infection.

Why am I talking about this? Reason is because I had a scope done to see what was wrong with my stomach (come to find out that I had H-Pylori but that's a different subject all together) and the doctors told me that my throat would be a little sore for a day or two. That was February 11. Today is March 24th and it's still sore. It has gotten worse to the point that I am being referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist. I went to the Doctor's yesterday and he gave me a Z-Pak, Medrol Dose Pak, and Liquid Hydrocodone 7.5. He also told me that I shouldn't work because I should rest my voice. I tried that yesterday and I believe only one person helped me with that and let me tell you, it wasn't pleasant. So as of today and tomorrow, I am not working. Don't worry, I have personal and sick hours to use (thank goodness!!!). So I am just going to relax here at home and just do nothing. James is in Ithaca until next Thursday so I will just make myself useful and again, not do anything. Feels quite good to be honest. I just hope that I don't have Mono (they thought I could have that even though they didn't test me yet).

I guess I called this entry, Random Thought because I was really frustrated at work because I wanted to rest my voice and unfortunately it wasn't a success. First entry of 2011 and this is what I write about?! Go figure! Hey, it's a start, right? Until the next entry, have a great weekend and God Bless!