Suggest Medicine For Sore Throat, Stuffy Nose And Sneezing

Posted on Sun, 11 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a sore throat, stuffy nose, sneezing, occasionally hot then cold but no fever. What is the best OTC for this.

Answered by Dr. Naveen (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Upper respiratory tract infection...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I do understand your problem. I will definitely try to help you with this.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water. Warm water re-hydrates the mucosa of the nose and the throat, thus reducing the irritation.
2. Do steam inhalation 3-4 times a day. Steam increases the blood supply to the nose and the sinuses, thus reducing the nasal congestion.
3. Use saline nasal spray (available OTC), to keep the nasal mucosa moist and xylometazoline nasal spray (not more than 7 days) for nasal decongestion.
4. Try taking OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.
5. Povidone iodine throat spray, after food. Povidone iodine is a local antiseptic and pain reliever.
6. Fexofenadine can be tried if the sneezing is more.
7. If you do not get better with the above medicines within 3-4 days, consult your doctor to start on broad spectrum antibiotics.
8. Avoid coffee and smoking, if any.

Hope I have answered the query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj