Differences Between Tonsillitis and Strep Throat

Tonsillitis and strep throat are often used interchangeably. The treatment for tonsillitis will vary depending on the underlying cause. Read on to learn more about tonsillitis and strep throat.  

Definition 

Tonsillitis refers to a painful inflammation of the tonsils, which are tissue lumps at the back of the throat. Viruses and bacteria can cause this condition. Meanwhile, strep throat occurs when a specific type of bacteria, known as group A Streptococcus, infects the throat and causes inflammation and infection of the tonsils.

Symptoms 

Tonsillitis and strep throat share similar symptoms, including a sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, difficulty swallowing, fever, and headache. During an episode of tonsillitis, the tonsils may be enlarged. With strep throat you may also see small red spots on the roof of the mouth and some patients may have symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Causes 

Enter your text here ...The most common causes of tonsillitis are viruses. These include influenza, coronavirus, adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, and HIV. But certain types of bacteria can also cause tonsillitis, including group A Streptococcus,Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Strep throat is caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria. You can get infected with the viruses or bacteria that cause tonsillitis or strep by inhaling droplets from a cough or sneeze, sharing utensils and toothbrushes, and touching contaminated surfaces. 

When To Visit A Doctor 

In some cases home care measures, such as drinking warm liquids and taking throat lozenges, can ease symptoms of tonsillitis. If symptoms seem to worsen over a couple of days, or if there is a high or persistent high fever or cough, it is important to consult with a health professional. Symptoms to monitor:

• Throat pain which lasts longer than three to four days
• High fever
• Difficulty breathing and drinking
• Unusual exhaustion during the day
• Recurrent tonsil infections

Treatment 

The treatment for tonsillitis and strep throat depends on the underlying cause. Viral tonsillitis is typically addressed by relieving symptoms until the infection resolves within 3 to 14 days. You can ease a sore throat by drinking fluids, getting plenty of rest, gargling salt water, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Over exertion and outdoor activities while fighting off strep throat can lead to more serious health complications. It is important to get to an experienced medical professional to identify and diagnose the cause of throat and neck pain if these symptoms do not go away within one to two days.

If you're experiencing a sore throat and are looking for an ENT doctor in Charlotte, North Carolina or Monroe, North Carolina, contact us at Queen City Ear Nose and Throat. We are the most trusted specialists in the area. Schedule an appointment today.