Tonsillitis vs. Strep Throat: What’s the Difference

Strep throat and Tonsillitis are similar illnesses that affect the inside of the throat and surrounding tissues. We often use strep throat, sore throat, and tonsillitis interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

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Strep throat

streptococcus, a Particular kind of bacteria is the source of strep throat infections. The tonsils are quite nflamed when your child has strep throat, and the inflammation may also damage the area around the tonsils.

Strep-throat

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the swelling or inflammation of the tonsils.

Other causes of sore throats

Other causes of sore throats are viruses, which can inflame the tonsils' surrounding throat rather than the tonsils themselves.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis vs. Strep Throat:

Tonsillitis symptoms

  • Swollen and red tonsils
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Tiredness
  • Swollen and painful neck lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bad breath

Strep throat symptoms

  • Fever
  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Tiny, red spots on the upper side of the mouth
  • White patches on the tonsils
  • Streaks of pus on the tonsils
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Stomach pain

Treatment

Treatment

The treatment options for strep throat and tonsillitis vary. The sections below out in these differences in more detail.

Strep throat

Antibiotics are prescription drugs that doctors use to treat strep throat. They typically recommend either amoxicillin or penicillin.
A single benzathine penicillin G shot can treat strep throat. Those who dislike or a e unable to take oral medication may find that the shot hurts for a short while, but it is still an option.
For those who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics, like erythromycin, might be appropriate. Cephalosporin antibiotics, like cephalexin, could be an alternative to penicillin or amoxicillin.

Complications may arise from strep throat if therapy is not received. These could consist of

  • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys
  • rheumatic fever, or inflammation of the heart, joints, skin, and brain
  •  invasive GAS infection, or potentially fatal infection of the blood, deep muscle and fat tissue, or the lungs.

After using antibiotics, a patient should remain at home until the fever has subsided, which should take at least 24 hours.

Tonsillitis

A virus most often causes acute tonsillitis. The illness is usually self-limiting, meaning the body will eventually heal.
You cannot treat with antibiotics because the methods by which bacteria and viruses reproduce and live are completely different. Only bacterial infecti ns can be targeted and treated by antibiotics.
Tonsillitis can occasionally become recurring or even chronic. A physician with expert use in treating disorders of the ear, nose, and throat may be able to assist in these situations.
When treating patients with chronic tonsillitis, an ENT surgeon may suggest a tonsillectomy. In this type of surgery , the tonsils are removed by a medical practitioner.

Strep-throat

General management tips

Many bacteria cause strep throat and tonsillitis, there are home remedies that can help manage the symptoms of both conditions. These include:

  • taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever and pain relief
  • drinking lots of water
  • sipping warm beverages like tea with honey and lemon
  • and sucking on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges to ease sore throats.
  • If the air in the bedroom is dry at night, use a room humidifier.
  • Avoid smoke and other irritants as these can irritate the throat.
  • Avoid citrus fruits like orange and pineapple.
  • Gargle with salt water every few hours using half a teaspoon of salt mixed with water.
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