I am being treated by a doctor for originally a virus, now…

Question

I am being treated by a doctor for originally a virus, now diagnosed with
seasonal asthma. I am using an inhaler for the most horrible cough, especially
at night but I also have a painful throat with it, which I am gargling with warm
salt water. This has been going on since last February and I cannot get any
relief. Are there any homapathics I can take, I feel I will recover with them?

Dr-Camp · Accepted Answer

ECampND :

Hello and thanks for sending in your question to Just Answer. I am happy to try
and help you with this issue.

ECampND :

In order to suggest the best homeopathic remedy, I need to understand the pain a
little better. Can you give me a description of what it feels like, where is it
exactly?

Customer:

The pain is when I swallow, it feels like a lump, the doctor has said it is just
the aggravation from the cough. When the throat becomes dry, especially through
the night it is painful and I have to take pain killers and I have to constantly
clear my throat during the day which I suspose comes from coughing and clearing
my chest.

ECampND :

Thank you for that information. Can you also identify other things that make it
worse, other than swallowinf and when the throat is dry? Certain temperatures,
talking, a particular movement, etc? And is there anythng at all that makes it
better? Same kinds of things? Does it hurt all over or on a particular side?
What does the pain feel like?

Customer:

If I walk into a warm room, this will amke me cough and I cannot stop for a
while, its a real choking cough and when I lie down at night it starts. The pain
is just from trying to swallow, its not sharp just uncomfortable and at the back
of the throat. I still have my tonsils, but the doctor said my throat does not
look swollen or sore - I am 59 in December - a bit late for tonsils!

ECampND :

True :-) OK, what happens if you go from a warm room into a cold room?

Customer:

I will calm the cough down, if at work I put the fan on me.

ECampND :

And is it there when you are simply swallowing saliva or when you swallow food
and water? If it is just when swallowing food or water is it both or one and the
other?

ECampND :

Ahh interesting.

ECampND :

About the fan, so does the heat in general make the cough worse?

Customer:

Its both I would say, food will trigger my coughing fit also.

Customer:

Yes if I get hot in bed or a warm room.

ECampND :

How about just when you swallow saliva?

Customer:

The throat is painful, you are aware of swallowing all the time.

ECampND :

Super - thanks we are almost there. When you start coughing, do you ever cough
to gagging?

Customer:

Yes, I almost thought today of when my children had hooping cough many years ago
(they are in their 30s) and could not stop coughing, I sort homopathy for them
then and it worked.

ECampND :

Last question - does it cause discomfort or make the throat pain worse if you
touch the outside of your throat? Like either with your hand or something liek a
choker necklace/turtleneck? I know it is summer and you are probably not wearing
turtlenecks :-)

Customer:

No, there is no pain if I press either side and there is no swelling at all, it
is a little tender if I press with my thumb and index finger above my adams
apple just under the chin, just under the jaw.

ECampND :

Ok - it looks like it is going to be either Phosphorus or Coccus cacti. There is
some possibility that Rumex is needed as well.

ECampND :

If it is Phos I would expect to see increased thirst expecially for very cold
drinks.

ECampND :

The reason why I hesitate on Rumex is that drafts of air usually bring on the
cough not help it to feel better.

ECampND :

And Coccus cacti really fits the case best of all as it is right now.

ECampND :

So I would suggest that you start with the Coccus cacti, 30C, 3 pellets as often
as needed. If that does not help in a few days then perhaps give Phosphorus 30C
a try. My very last choice is Rumex.

ECampND :

There is another slight possibility but it is a long shot - Spongia.

ECampND :

Also, I would suggest that you do some honey and lemon, maybe even add in some
herbal calendula to soothe and heal the throat. I know that is not homeopathic
but it is very regenerative. To use the Calendula (marigold), try and find the
flowers in bulk, use about 1 tablespoon to 1 ounce of hot water, steep a few
minutes, strain and then add the honey 1 tsp and lemon 1/4 tsp fresh squeezed.
Repeat several times a day. This will help :-) The remedy will stimulate the
healing long-term but in the meantime, let's help the pain. Let me know if there
is anything else I can help you with and take care.

Customer:

Thank you for your help and knowledge, I have marigolds growing in the garden so
I will use them. We have chemist about 12 miles away in Pershore that sells
homeapathics as there use to be a practicing doctor there who has long since
retired.

ECampND :

You are welcome - take care.

I am being treated by a doctor for originally a virus, now…

How JustAnswer works

JustAnswer in the News:

What Customers are Saying:

Meet the Experts: