Sore Throat

[deejah]

maybe its the ac

but sore throats often tend to linger here for very long periods of time

even when i don't use the A/C

i never experienced this before and so often

and am not a smoker

any thoughts?

there are little grayish balls you suck on

(don't even go there)

one can purchase at any pharmacy cheap

work like a charm

many complain about the taste

but i don't mind, got use to it

natural remedy i believe

one pack has a picture of a centipede on it

not sure of the significance

[Ijustwannateach]

You may actually have allergies. There are plenty of allergens in the air (pollen, pollutants) which may set you off in a different way than in your home country. Try an antihistamine or other allergy medicine and see if it works.

If you have a genuine throat infection for a long time here you need to see a GOOD doctor.

[moldy]

You may actually have allergies. There are plenty of allergens in the air (pollen, pollutants) which may set you off in a different way than in your home country. Try an antihistamine or other allergy medicine and see if it works.

If you have a genuine throat infection for a long time here you need to see a GOOD doctor.

It's such a common problem in Thailand, even more so in Bangkok or a big town.

I agree a check up is needed, just to rule out tonsilitis or throat infection. I doubt very much that any other factor will be considered.

But don't just assume that because your throat is where you feel the problem that this is the source, you may have swollen nasal membranes for instance and the drip that results is also affecting your throat.

I suspect the overall cause is irritation of mucus linings by traffic pollution, over use of your voice, and maybe a quite fast lifestyle with inadequate respite from the outside world.

Whatever, resting up for much longer periods, judicious use of anti-histamines and antibiotics (must be prescribed), and avoiding busy thoroughfares as much as possible is the mainstay, and is working for me. You can humidify your room by hanging a wet towel out in the evenings, buying a fish tank, or a few pot plants.

I think it is safe to say that the problem won't just go away otherwise, things often don't in Bangkok, because the cause is always there.

Don't look for quick fix solutions, there probably won't be any, and overuse of medication can worsen the problem.

A humble but much needed posting about a very common condition.

ps: allergy checks can be conducted quickly and painlessly for about a 1000bt tops at any low to moderately priced hospital, St Louis is often touted on these boards. but if you don't suffer from hayfever in your own country I doubt you do out here either.

[Sheryl]

If you live in Bangkok or CM, my money is on the air pollution.

I had the same problem years back when I had the m isfrtune to need to "live"in Bkk. No problem at all now that I liove where the air is clean.

If this is the cause and if mving is not an option, zinc throat lozenges work wonders but you may need to mail order them from abroad, I haven't found them anywhere in LOS.

Careful cleaning of a/c filters (home and work) may also help. And to the extetn possible, reduce your exposure to exhaust fumes, i.e. avoid tuk tuks and motos, maybe wear a mask if you mustr walk in congested areas during peak traffic.