I have an extremely sore throat, a cough, and can't swallow. I'm on my second day of antibiotics, and have taken ibuprofen. What else can I do?
Gargle with warm salt water
Use some kind of heat pack, like a heating pad set on low or a warm towel, on your neck
Sip warm tea
I got strep throat once and was a long way from any doctors. I could see in a few hours my throat would close and suffocate me. I boiled some water and put some Lysol in it . Using a towel over my head I kept breathing the steam. in a few hours it was okay.
I get chronic bronchitis, this is what i do:
On days when its really bad, wrap your neck w/ a warm washcloth. Hard candy and warm drinks help w/ the scratchyness and vicks or halls, cant remember which, makes a cough drop that numbs your throat temporarily (so you can swallow again). or chloraseptic spray.
Drink warm tea w/ honey, lemon juice, and a spoonful of bourbon.
Also if you know anyone w/ mint or lemon plants sucking on the leaves relieves the scrathciness too.
I have eaten freeze pops. let it slide to the back of your mouth as far as you can without swallowing. The ice will help ease the pain.