Q: How do I know if I have Strep throat?
October 22, 2008
A: The only official way is to undergo a throat culture (which takes 2-3 days), or undergo a rapid “Strep” test in the office (but only 80-90% accurate). The only strain of bacteria that’s tested for is GABHS, or group A beta hemolytic streptococcus. This particular strain of bacteria can produce toxins that can potentially injure the heart or the kidneys. There are many other types of “Strep” that can also cause throat infections, but are harmless to vital organs. In most cases, GABHS presents with high fever (102 to 103˚ F), pus on the tonsils or throat, and very swollen, inflamed neck glands. Severe throat pain by itself is not a reason to treat with oral antibiotics.
2 Responses to “Q: How do I know if I have Strep throat?”
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Hi Dr Park, Recently I had a test for apnea and I have it. I have a cpap and a full face mask because I breathe through my mouth mostly.
Here is the problem. Most of the time I wake up with the mask off, blowing like crazy either on my chest or still in my hand. Once or twice it has been placed in its drawer. Any tips on how to keep the mask on? I go to sleep with it on but sometime during the night and I have no recollection of the time off it comes.
I have trigeminal neuralgia on the left side from a tumor on the pons and that nerve. I wonder if this has anything to do with it. Otherwise I sleep well with it and feel much better when I wake up with it on since my o2 sats drop so low at night without it. Thanks for any tips you might have.
Karen
What you’re experiencing is a common situation. Sometimes, you just have to give it more time. If you have a data card readout, you should go over with your sleep doctor this information and come up with a plan. First, you have to make sure you don’t have a leak. Then consider either lowering your pressure or switching to a bilevel or c-flex type of machine. If your nose is stuffy, this should be addressed as well. It sounds like you have severe obstructive sleep apnea. Definitely talk to your sleep doctor about this. There are ways of resolving these kind of issues.