Tonsillitis and strep throat are two common conditions with similar symptoms, yet they have distinct causes and require different treatments. Knowing the differences can help you get the right care and relief faster.
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, the two oval-shaped glands at the back of your throat. Viral infections like the common cold or flu make up approximately 70% of tonsilitis cases. Though less common, bacterial infections, including but not limited to Group A Streptococcus, can also cause tonsilitis.
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a specific bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. Unlike tonsillitis, which can result from various bacteria and viruses, strep throat has a single bacterial cause. While strep throat can lead to tonsillitis, not every case of tonsillitis is due to strep throat.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Strep throat and tonsilitis share several of the same symptoms, including:
- Sudden sore throat
- Red and swollen throat
- White patches on throat and tonsils
- Quickly developing fever
- Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Chills
- Headache
With tonsilitis, you can also expect enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and swollen, red tonsils with possible white, gray or yellow coating. Strep throat symptoms tend to be more severe than viral tonsillitis.
How Are They Treated?
Treatment for these conditions depends on the cause:
- Bacterial tonsillitis and strep throat. If your ENT provider diagnoses strep throat or a bacterial form of tonsillitis, they will likely prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and prevent its spread.
- Viral tonsillitis. If a virus is the culprit of your tonsillitis, antibiotics won’t be effective. Instead, symptom management is the focus. Common symptom management options include pain relievers, saltwater gurgling, throat lozenges, warm tea with honey and plenty of rest and hydration.
Your throat will likely be very sore with strep throat or viral tonsilitis. If that’s the case, you may want to opt for oatmeal, ice cream, juices, soups and smoothies from The Corner Blend over crunchy food.
When To Consider a Tonsillectomy
If you or your child experience frequent bouts of tonsillitis, your ENT provider may recommend a tonsillectomy—the surgical removal of the tonsils. This procedure can help reduce recurrent infections and improve overall throat health.
If you develop persistent or severe sore throat symptoms, high fever, difficulty swallowing or swollen lymph nodes, make an appointment with one of our specialists at Palmetto ENT & Allergy for diagnosis and treatment.