How harmful is an elevated anti-O level of 3000 IU/mL?

ASO (antistreptolysin O) is a metabolic product produced by hemolytic streptococcus that can dissolve red blood cells. The normal reference range is 0–200 IU/mL for adults and less than 250 IU/mL for children. Generally, when ASO levels rise to 3,000 IU/mL, it may lead to various complications such as rheumatic arthritis, acute tonsillitis, acute glomerulonephritis, streptococcal pneumonia, scarlet fever, and other conditions. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Rheumatic Arthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is mostly caused by inadequate protection against cold in daily life, leading to infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Low immunity results in elevated ASO levels up to 3,000 IU/mL. Patients should take medications such as meloxicam tablets or azithromycin tablets under medical supervision.

2. Acute Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is an acute nonspecific inflammation of the palatine tonsils and is a common type of streptococcal infection. Main symptoms include sore throat, high fever, and chills. ASO levels may also increase significantly, reaching 3,000 IU/mL upon testing. Patients can be treated under medical guidance with medications such as Jinlianhuakang granules or cefixime capsules.

3. Acute Glomerulonephritis

Acute glomerulonephritis is usually caused by infection with hemolytic streptococcus or congenital renal insufficiency. Patients with this condition may also exhibit markedly elevated ASO levels. Under medical supervision, patients can use hydrochlorothiazide tablets or spironolactone tablets to manage edema symptoms.

4. Streptococcal Pneumonia

ASO is an indicator used to detect streptococcal infection. If ASO levels are found to be elevated to 3,000 IU/mL during examination, streptococcal pneumonia due to streptococcal infection should be considered. Patients may be treated under medical guidance with amoxicillin capsules or cefuroxime axetil granules.

5. Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a contagious disease caused by infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and sore throat. It may also present with ASO levels rising to 3,000 IU/mL. Patients can be treated under medical direction with ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or enteric-coated aspirin tablets.

In addition, other complications such as myocarditis and erysipelas may occur. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.