Differences between strep throat and tonsillitis and everything else you should know
It is common to see people get confused tonsillitis for another strep throat infection, only to realize later.
Given their similar symptoms, it’s not uncommon to confuse the two. However, understanding the distinctions between strep throat and tonsillitis is crucial, as proper diagnosis and treatment depend on the underlying cause.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between strep throat vs tonsillitis, exploring their symptoms and treatment options.
Strep throat vs tonsillitis: Understanding These Conditions
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils—two soft tissue lumps at the back of your throat—become infected by either a virus or bacteria. The tonsils act as the body’s first line of defense against infections, so they are highly vulnerable to pathogens.
Common symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- Sore throat
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Painful swallowing
- White or yellow patches on the tonsils
- Fever and chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bad breath
Tonsillitis can occur at any age but is especially common in children. Parents often notice tonsillitis in kids when their child complains of throat pain, refuses to eat due to difficulty swallowing, or develops a fever.
Strep throat
Strep throat, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It specifically affects the throat and tonsils but can spread to another areas of the respiratory tract if untreated.
Signs of strep throat include:
- Severe sore throat that comes on suddenly
- Painful swallowing
- Small red dots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth
- White patches of pus on the tonsils
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue and body aches
Because strep throat is bacterial, it requires antibiotics, unlike viral tonsillitis, which usually resolves on its own.
Tonsilitis vs Strep Throat in Kids
Children are especially vulnerable to throat infection in kids, and telling the difference between tonsillitis and strep throat can be challenging for parents. Both conditions cause throat pain and fever, but the underlying causes are different.
- Tonsillitis in kids often comes with viral symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or hoarseness. These signs usually indicate a viral infection that clears on its own with rest, fluids, and supportive care.
- Strep throat in kids, on the other hand, usually presents with more severe symptoms. Strep throat symptoms in kids include sudden, intense throat pain, high fever, refusal to swallow, red or white patches on the tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes.
Because untreated strep can lead to complications, parents should be alert for signs such as red spots in the mouth, persistent sore throat, or worsening fever. If your child shows these symptoms, consulting an ENT specialist is important for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Tonsilitis vs Strep Throat: Similarities
Tonsillitis and strep throat are both throat conditions and can have similar symptoms, leading to confusion between the two. Here are some similarities:
- You may feel discomfort or pain in your throat.
- You may feel large, tender, and warm lymph nodes in the throat.
- You might get a fever.
- Your tonsils may get swollen, leading to difficulty in swallowing and talking.
- Other similar symptoms include headaches, sore throat, and nausea, followed by a vomiting sensation.
Tonsilitis vs Strep Throat: Differences
While tonsillitis and strep throat share some similarities, there are some differences between the two that need to be diagnosed by an experienced ENT specialist like Dr. Peter Baptista:
- Appearance of the throat: Strep throat may present with small red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth, while tonsillitis usually causes general redness and swelling of the tonsils.
- Associated symptoms: Strep throat often leads to body aches and sudden fever, whereas tonsillitis may cause neck stiffness and symptoms more typical of a viral infection.
- Seasonal patterns: Strep throat is more common during cold and flu seasons, while tonsillitis can occur anytime a child or adult is exposed to viral or bacterial agents.
Diagnosis: How to know if you have strep throat or tonsillitis?
If you are experiencing symptoms of tonsillitis or strep throat, consulting Dr. Peter Baptista, a skilled ENT specialist in Dubai, is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Early evaluation ensures appropriate treatment and helps prevent complications.
Medical history and physical exam:
Dr. Peter will review your medical history and symptoms before conducting a physical exam to check for signs of infection.
The physical exam typically involves:
- Inspecting the back of your throat using a lighted instrument.
- Examining the ears and nose for signs of infection.
- Gently pressing on the lymph nodes to check for swelling or tenderness.
Throat culture or rapid strep test:
A throat culture may be ordered to ascertain the presence of Streptococcus bacteria.
A long cotton swab collects saliva and cells from the back of your throat, which may cause momentary discomfort and trigger your gag reflex. This sample is then sent to the lab to detect any bacteria.
Tonsilitis vs Strep Throat: Treatment
Tonsilitis Treatment
Treatment for tonsillitis will depend on whether a virus or bacterium caused the infection:
- Viral tonsillitis: Treatment typically aims to alleviate symptoms until the infection clears up on its own, usually within 3 to 14 days. Recommended remedies include rest, plenty of fluids, warm saltwater gargles, and over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil to reduce fever and ease pain.
- Bacterial tonsillitis: Antibiotics are prescribed, along with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications, to alleviate symptoms such as pain or fever.
If tonsillitis becomes recurrent or severe, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered.
Strep Throat Treatment
Strep throat is treated through oral antibiotic medication to kill the bacteria and prevent complications.
In addition, home remedies like resting, staying hydrated, using throat lozenges, gargling with salt water, and taking OTC medications for fever or pain may also provide relief.
When to See a Doctor for a Throat Infection
Not every sore throat needs medical attention, but certain signs indicate it’s time to consult a specialist. You should seek medical care if you or your child experiences:
- A sore throat lasts more than two to three days without improvement.
- There is difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- You notice white patches, red dots, or pus on the tonsils.
- There is a high or persistent fever that doesn’t respond to medication.
- Swollen lymph nodes or neck stiffness occur.
- Your child refuses food or water due to pain.
An ENT specialist like Dr. Peter Baptista can help determine whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or something else.
Contact Dr. Peter Baptista, ENT Specialist in Dubai
Understanding the differences between strep throat and tonsillitis is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While they share similarities in symptoms, their causes and treatments vary significantly.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of either condition, seeking medical attention from a qualified ENT specialist like Dr. Peter Baptista is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
FAQ
No, tonsil stones are not contagious. You cannot pass them on to other people.
Yes, strep throat can happen even if you don’t have tonsils, as the Streptococcus bacteria can infect other parts of the throat and respiratory tract.
An unhealthy throat often appears red or swollen, or has white patches or spots on the tonsils. Compared to a normal throat color, an unhealthy throat often exhibits abnormal changes in texture and coloration.
Yes. Even without tonsils, a person can still develop strep throat if they come into contact with Streptococcus bacteria through respiratory droplets or close contact with an infected individual.
No, tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils, so it’s impossible to have tonsillitis without tonsils.
Yes, even after tonsils removal, you can get strep throat. If anything, you may experience milder symptoms without the threat of red, swollen tonsils.
Swollen tonsils may indicate tonsillitis, an ongoing infection, allergies, or irritation from pollutants. Persistent swelling should be evaluated by an ENT doctor.
Yes, viral tonsillitis usually resolves on its own within 1–2 weeks. Bacterial tonsillitis, however, requires antibiotics for complete recovery and to prevent complications.
Yes. Even without tonsils, you can still get strep throat because the bacteria can infect other parts of the throat. However, symptoms are often less severe compared to those with tonsils.
Contact Dr. Peter Baptista, ENT Specialist in Dubai
Understanding the differences between strep throat and tonsillitis is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While they share similarities in symptoms, their causes and treatments vary significantly.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of either condition, seeking medical attention from a qualified ENT specialist like Dr. Peter Baptista is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Dr Peter Baptista Jardin
European Board Certified ENT Doctor In Dubai
Dr. Peter Baptista Jardin is an ENT specialist with a special interest in treating sleep apnea. He is a revered expert in Spain for performing the first ever robotic transoral surgery in 2011, and the only series of hypoglossal nerve stimulation proved revolutionary for obstructive sleep apnea treatment worldwide. He currently serves as an ENT doctor in Dubai’s Al Zahra Hospital.
