Swollen Glands (Strep Throat)

[Owen Wright]

Hi,

I am due to start a weeks diving holiday this sunday.

For the past week my missus has had a throat infection which started as swollen glands then progressed to include nasal congestion. While she seems almost recovered (no congestion, no swollen glands any more, only a slightly husky voice.

Our family doctor took a look at my missus and diagnosed a viral throat infection. She has suggested (for the missus) a few days rest, off work and 4 times daily gargling with soluble Paracetamol rather than the course of antibiotics.

Since it seems that I am now the ungreatful recipient of this, I have a sore throat which is reddened but yet to become swollen glands, I was wondering what medication I can take upto and until I become nasally congested.

Obviously as soon as this hits my nose and shows signs of congestion I will not be diving, but until then, if there is something which can either suppress the symptoms or attack this before it takes hold then I would love some recommendations. Preference is for something dive friendly as I recall some stories of certain medicines which can leave you more likely to get bent?

Any ideas or suggestions welcome

Cheers

Owen

[Paul Beal]

Have a look at this link http://www.throatproblems.co.uk/vira...nfections.html.

I had Gladular fever 10 years ago which meant I got a lot of throat infections in the few years afterwards. I found paracetamol based cold remedies, strepsils and ibruprofen (always read the labels and use with care) were the best to keep the symptoms down. Go easy if you do get in the water and do not force your ears to clear.

I am very glad your GP ruled out antibiotics after diagnosing a viral infection as they would be completely ineffective (alcohol is more effective against viruses than antibiotics - don't try that at home!).

Cheers

Paul

[Owen Wright]

Originally Posted by Paul Beal

alcohol is more effective against viruses than antibiotics

Yay!!

Honey & Lemon with Brandy then? :P

I will officially sign myself off sick for the rest of the day and spend the next 48 hours dosed up accordingly.

Thanks for the recommendations...
Im off to Tesco shortly to stock up

[Maria CM]

I am a firm believer in Vicks First Defense. It is truly disgusting but seems to be very good at stopping things going to nasal passages.

best wishes,

maria

[robscubaproxlt]

I hope you stay at home and dont give it to the rest of us :0(

[Owen Wright]

Thanks to all for the comments.

I did stay home (from work) and keep this to myself. Sadly this continued throughout the holiday and for another 2 weeks following it. I finally went back to work a week ago but am still carrying a really tight chest with wheezy cough although all other symptoms have cleared up.

I did manage to get some dives done while away but 9 out of a possible 24 was sadly not what I had hoped.

Thanks for the tip Maria. Is this an oral thing, or a chest thing?
Ill google it and add it to the armoury for next time.

Im starting to hear a lot of reports from (diving) ppl who tended to get infections and the like every autumn / winter without fail. A number of these are telling me that they either had recommended by, or asked their doctors for an operation to remove the tonsils. Apparently this removes the "harbour" for the germs and has reduced the number of occurances of infections massively.

Sounds a bit extreme, although if it works I may well consider it myself.

I would be marking this down as a wind up if the ppl involved all knew each other however since not one of them knows the others Im more inclined to give it a little thought.

Has anyone heard anything similar or is this complete and utter nonsense as I first thought it was?