Hello and welcome to HCM, I was just going through the mail sent to me by HCM for answering questions, i picked up your question immediately as you have mentioned that you have persistent cough. First of all i would like to say that please do not worry. I think that what exactly you are suffering is URTI (upper respiratory tract infection) more specifically the pharyngitis . Now, you can ask me why did i say so ? My answer lies on the history you have explained. You have sore throat and a bump like feeling and it also somewhat gets relief by salt water gurgling. These all indicates towards pharyngitis as far as my day to day clinical experiences go. Anyway, i will stop explaining further as it may confuse you and directly try to answer your concerned question i.e., treatment ? Generally, URTI are gram positive infections, so from my experiences i always prefer a povidone iodine gurgle like betadine and oral antibiotics like amoxycillin + clauvulanic acid. As you have persistent cough also, an antihistaminic if added will be beneficial. With all this medication, bed time steam inhalation will be very soothing and good for increasing blood circulation in your throat and will help in early recovery. I am not giving you any prescription directly as it is not allowed by HCM. So, i suggest you to consult your local doctor for the same. Finally, just to give you an idea about the treatment , as that was your question of concern, it is - (1) Povidone iodine gurgle (2) Antibiotics (orally) (2) Antihistaminic Bed time steam inhalation With this i hope that i could help you out to ease your mental turmoil and concerns. I wish you a very very early recovery and a very healthy life ahead. Also visit my website if you get time. Thanks and regards Dr Diganta Kumar Das (drdigantakumardas)