Covid really bad sore throat - steroid?

1,974 Views | 5 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by HumpitPuryear
OwlAg13
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AG
My throat is killing me and has been the #1 pain point with Covid, here on day 5

Is it safe to take a steroid to try to knock it out?

Tylenol, etc isn't doing the trick. I can barely swallow and the throat pain is even keeping me up at night
KidDoc
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AG
I use dexamethasone frequently for viral sore throat. Safe in short bursts.
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OwlAg13
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AG
What about prednisone?
bigtruckguy3500
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Can you look in the back of your throat and see what it looks like? I just got over COVID and I had a super sore throat as well, but every time I looked back there all I saw was some very thick mucous just camping out on the very back of the throat - likely that is what was irritating it.

My tonsils looked fine, not enlarged, and not red. No white pus coming out of anything.

If all you see back there is mucous or maybe a little bit of redness, then systemic steroids probably wouldn't do a ton for you. You may be better off taking some nasal steroids, like flonase or nasonex. If you have enlarged tonsils, then a steroid might help you out.

Dexamethasone is nice because it's a single dose that's very antiinflammatory and lasts about 36 hours +/-. Prednisone requires multiple doses over several days, and probably has a little more potential for harm. If your doctor prescribed prednisone, that's fine.

Ibuprofen should also help more than tylenol, if you have any. Can also always take both together
OwlAg13
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AG
I maybe only see a little bit of redness, no swelling or other signs.
I just asked about prednisone as I have some in the medicine cabinet already.
I'll give ibuprofen another go. Thanks
HumpitPuryear
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try gargling with warm salt water. Don't drink it. Put a teaspoon or so of salt with six oz of water. Microwave it, mix it, and gargle with it.
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