My glands in my throat are swollen (on the right side) and it is difficult to swallow. I've had this problem lots of times, and it usually clears up in a few days. But I noticed that there was a little bit of a whitish coating on them last night, and I had never seen that happen before. I also had a pretty high fever last night (101.5) but it went away last night in my sleep, and I woke up feeling pretty good. The problem is that my glands are still killing me. I don't have medical, and I would be waiting in the emergency room for hours waiting to see someone at the county hospital. Can anyone give me any advice on what to do? Should I see a doctor, or wait a few days to see if I feel better? IS this strep throat???
2007-02-07 01:34:26 · 12 answers · asked by Genea_80 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Contrary to what a previous poster said, Strep throat is caused by a bacterium, Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as Group A Strep) and NOT a virus. Viruses can cause sore throats but not Strep throat. If you have a fever, or whitish coloured spots on your throat (or tonsils) it could be Strept throat and you should see a doctor. If you don't have a fever and your throat is just red, it's probably a virus.
If it is Group A Strep causing your sore throat, you should go on antibiotics - NOT as most people think, to clear up the sore throat (that will go away by itself) but because Group A Strep can cause serious complications in other parts of the body. One complication is rheumatic fever (which affects the heart) and another is acute glomerulonephritis (which affects the kidneys).
Judging by your symptoms, I would go and see a doctor.
2007-02-07 01:50:41 · answer #1 · answered by drea376 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a doctor but I just found out that strep throat if left untreated can potentially be deadly. It all depends whether or not the bacteria enters the bloodstream. A colleague of mine lost her cousin over the holidays due to strep and I have a student that lost her leg due to strep bacteria getting in the blood. So while it may not be an emergency, I would definitely go to a clinic and get antibiotics.
2016-03-29 09:21:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't necessary per se. But if left untreated the bacteria that cause strep throat can go to your heart and be dormant and later on when your immune system is down may cause rheumatic fever or something like that. If you truly don't want to go to the doctor there are other things you can do to kill the bacteria. Some people say gargle with warm salt water. I've done that but it doesn't really work. The other thing you can do, although it sounds gross and tastes gross is gargle with half peroxide and half water. Don't swallow it. It will foam up in your throat. Spit it out and do it about three times in one session. Then do it again twice more a day and the next day and it should go away. If it doesn't go away from that it wasn't a bacteria and an antibiotic wouldn't have killed it anyway.
2007-02-07 01:45:47 · answer #3 · answered by Mom of Three 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contrary to the poster who was contrary to the other poster, Strep throat can also be caused by Group B hemolytic Strep, and yes it is bacterial. It is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, and can cause serious damage. Reports from people who have not seen their physicians quickly enough have been that they had to go to the E.R.! Be smart, go to your doctor, get antibiotics, and rest as much as possible!
2007-02-07 10:13:18 · answer #4 · answered by gabe_library 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you do need to see a doctor for strep throat as you will need antibiotics and because strep throat can cause heart problems if not treated promptly and completely.
2007-02-07 01:38:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sore throat is usually due to a viral infection. Gargling with warm salty water or mouthwash can reduce the pain and inconvenience. You can find some good home remedies at http://ailments.in/sorethroat.html
2007-02-08 04:03:10 · answer #6 · answered by Karunya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Streptococcus can be a very dangerous bacteria. If unchecked it can cause septicemia, the poisoning of the entire body. Don't take the risk, go to the doctor right away.
2007-02-07 01:39:49 · answer #7 · answered by diogenese_97 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wait until later in the day, and if you spike a fever, get a rapid strep test. strep would require antibiotics.
2007-02-07 01:39:21 · answer #8 · answered by dali333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you ought to be checked out. Especially if this is a recurring condition. You probably need antibiotics.
2007-02-07 01:37:44 · answer #9 · answered by catfish 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go see the doctor.
2007-02-07 01:37:19 · answer #10 · answered by ropemancometh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋