Terrible sore throat. Painkillers not much help.

[YorkshireTeacake]

I have a terrible - and I mean excruciating - sore throat. I am in agony. It was so bad one morning that I was crying with pain

Paracetemol, co-codamol & ibuprofen were not working, so I went to see the Doctor. The doctor said I just had a virus & prescribed stronger co-codamol (30 mg codeine / 500mg paracetemol), which I have been taking with extra-strong ibuprofen.

This seems to take the edge of the pain, but I am still in pain, especially when swallowing. I am at my wit's end.

Is this familiar to anybody? Does anybody have any advice?

[bunnymother]

Warm salt water gargle?

[MrsColumbo]

Do you still have your tonsils? Is it possible that the doctor missed tonsillitis (which hapened to me - I ended up in hospital 2 days later with quinsy).Might be worth going back there. Antiseptic throat lozenges or a TCP gargle in the meantime, perhaps. Get better soon, Teacake.

[MorphFan]

I've had the same thing - never known a sore throat like it.
I was advised to try gargling with soluble aspirin - which I tried out of desperation. Amazingly it actually did help.
Also - try and breathe through your nose rather than mouth if you can, which seems to help me too.
And eating things like melon - cool and slippy and very soothing.
Get well soon!

[elvisgirl]

I currently have tonsilitis - it is excruciating. It can be viral or bacterial so you may need antibiotics. It can be difficult to diagnose as it really needs a throat swab to properly confirm & the antibiotics are pretty strong (10day course or even injection) so they don't prescribe willy-nilly & mild cases can resolve on their own. In the meantime you could try those anaesthetic throat sprays available over the counter for the discomfort. I also had a fever, lost my voice, didn't eat & couldn't move for 3 days before I got diagnosed so look out for other symptoms. Hope it is sorted for you soon. No crimbo or NYE tipples for me

[shumway]

Gargling with soluble aspirin is the best. It tastes a bit rank but it works.

[YorkshireTeacake]

Thank-you for all the speedy advice. Will try what you suggest.

I have to confess that I am not a Mum myself, but I felt like I needed a Mum - any Mum - right now You did not dissappoint, so thankyou x

[pawsnclaws]

I had this, this time last week - was crying with pain it was so raw. When the pain spread to one of my ears I gave in and took antibiotics and within 2 days it was getting better.

You could try the strepsils with ibuprofen (strepfen) they are good at numbing the pain a little. Sympathies though, so painful.

[dikkertjedap]

I second gargling with TCP. Also, if you think that it can be tonsillitis maybe seek a second opinion?