Any Suggestions? Fun strep infection...?!
Question: Any Suggestions? Fun strep infection...?
Since then, everything's cleared up except for the strep pustules, which make me cough uncontrollably every time I inhale. Recently it's gotten to the point where I'm vomiting from reflex because I'm coughing so frequently and so forcefully. Needless to say, it's annoying.
Any suggestions for an uninsured college student to deal with this B.S.? I've been "power gargling" with salt water in a futile attempt to break open the pustules so they might drain, and right now I can scarcely open my mouth to look in the mirror without vomiting.
Answers:
Sounds pretty rough. If it gets any worse you should see the school doctor and get some antibiotics. The doctor will help determine the cause of the sore throat by culturing the bacteria. Often a bacterial infection is accompanied by headache, stomachache and swollen glands in the neck. A strep infection is generally treated with antibiotics because permanent heart or kidney damage can result.
Until then these ideas might help which are along the lines of the salt water gargling:
Getting plenty of rest and sleep helps to fight body infection.
Sage taken in a pill or tincture form will reduce the inflammation in the throat and ear areas.
Garlic is also effective for speedy recovery and removal of bacteria with its natural antibiotic properties.
Oregano oil is an excellent natural antibiotic sold in most health food stores and vitamin shoppes.
Acidophilus to replenish "friendly" bacteria. Especially important if antibiotics are prescribed. Use a nondairy formula on empty stomach.
Bee Propolis to protect mucous membranes of mouth and throat.
Colloidal silver is a powerful antibiotic with no known side effects in small dosages.
Maitake, reishi, shiitake extract to boost immunity and fight viral infection
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids 5,000 to 20,000 mg daily in divided doses-has antiviral properties.
Zinc lozenges for pain relief, healing and improved immune function.
Many sore throats and infections are contracted from bacteria on toothbrushes. Toothbrushes should be replaced once monthly and after any type of infectious illness. Between uses, store your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide or grapefruit seed extract to kill germs (if you use hydrogen peroxide, rinse the toothbrush well before brushing.)
By drinking plenty of water the throat is lubricated, moist, eases swallowing and prevents dehydration.
Eat foods such as soups, cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, yogurt and soft-cooked eggs as they are easy on a sore throat.
Cold foods. It is ideal to avoid spicy and acidic foods.
Gargling with warm salt water several times a day helps to relieve throat pain.
A cool mist humidifier will put more moisture in the air, making sticky, dry, irritated throats feel better.
Saline nasal sprays also help to keep mucous membranes moist.
Irritants such as smoke, pollution, paint or products with strong odor and smell can irritate the throat, lungs and increase the likelihood of infection.
Warm soaks will soothe throat pain as well, and reduce inflammation to glands.
**Neither I or the author(s) of the above referenced material is engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the reader. The ideas and suggestions stated in this post are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding health require medical supervision. Neither I nor the author(s) of the referenced material are liable for any loss, injury, or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this post.**
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/149/medicines-and-remedies/home-remedies-for-strep-throat.html
Prescription for Nutritional Healing 3rd Edition, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC: Pages 640-641.
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-sore-throat.htm