Has anybody got any good ideas for a really sore throat (human) and coughing until it makes me sick. Been like this for a week now and can't seem to shake it. Tried allsorts of cough mixture, steam ,honey, throat sweeties but nothing is really helping.

Ailsa

Plenty of water!! Have you had your tonsils checked?

Try gargling with a soluble painkiller (such as aspirin or co-codamol). 

Gargle in salt water!

is it a cold or just the cough? if its a cold try heating up coke in a pan (full fat, not diet!) with slices of root ginger and lemon. drink (tastes good as well), this was a suggestion made by my old boss who worked 7 days and never took a day of sick. she had a bright red nose one day and was clearly miserable, drank this, next day fine. magic!

Ailsa, if it's that bad, there is always the chance that you have tonsilitis, which you'll need antibiotics for.

Toast is good for sore throats. have it as well cooked as you can. Because it's rough, it drags all the crap at the back of your throat down with it. Dont think that will help your cough though.

My nurse sister was told by one of the doctors to try Betadine Mouthwash Gargle.  She says it works wonders.  Here it is behind the counter but is not prescription.

Soluble Disprin always works for me. Its more effective than other asprin.

One of my daughters used to be very ill with her tonsils. They were little or never a gap between them. An older lady advised us to get a clean small paint brush and paint them with glycerin.
It coats them. Beleve me it worked.

Denese

Thanks for all your replies. I tried the gargling with salt water used a teaspoon in half a mug of water (wasn't sure of what quantities to use). This seems to have helped greatly.

Had tried glycerin off a teaspoon but the small paint brush idea sounds worth trying in the future.

I didn't have any soluble aspirin but have not got some just in case. Also bought one of these throat sprays.

This is the 3rd weekend I have been ill. But starting to feel a wee bit better. Unfortunately hubby is now going down with it so will get a chance to try out the various remedies on him. I am going to print out all your useful suggestions for reference.

Also trying to improve my diet in the hope of that helping my body fight of the infection.

Thanks again.
Ailsa

could it be strep throat?  That causes a sore throat, and it can last as long as you have had a sore throat.  It also needs antibiotics to clear it up.  A simple throat swab will tell you quickly enough if you have strep or not.

I use Halls.  The ones with the medicine inside it. 

Also, what about Tyenol Sore Throat and Cough?  Specifically made for that.  I hear it works good, although you gotta be careful if you have other health problems.  I cant use it since I have a thyroid problem.  Something about the decongestiant (sp) in it.

Hope you feel better soon!

If this has been going on for 3 weeks go and see your GP ASAP!

I had a sore throat that went on for 3 or 4 weeks in nov/dec Went to docs, and he said I  had an infection, and to gargle with Corsydyl mouth wash 3 or 4 times a day.
Would be worth a try :)
Lea :)

Ailsa

I always have sore throats and used to suffer and suffer till a friend told me about this stuff from the chemist called sandersons throat specific!! Its brilliant and it WORKS!!! Its a horrid yellowy liquid in a  bottle that you gargle with, tastes disgusting but just after two sessions your sore throat will be gone!! (im not a sales rep for em either)