Many people confuse strep throat and tonsillitis, often using the terms interchangeably. This article clarifies their relationship, distinguishing between them for better understanding.
Understanding the Connection
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped masses of tissue located at the back of the throat. These glands are part of the immune system, helping to filter out germs that enter the body. Tonsillitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. The majority of tonsillitis cases are caused by viruses, such as those responsible for the common cold or flu.
Strep throat is a specific type of bacterial infection. It is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Strep throat is a contagious infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Strep throat is a specific cause of tonsillitis. While all strep throat infections involve inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis), not all cases of tonsillitis are caused by strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial form of tonsillitis, but tonsillitis can also result from viral infections, which are far more common. This distinction is important for understanding the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Spotting the Signs
Symptoms common to both tonsillitis and strep throat include a sore throat, which can be painful, and difficulty swallowing. Red and swollen tonsils are observed, sometimes with white patches or streaks on them. Fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck are also present in both conditions.
Specific symptoms associated with strep throat include a sudden onset of sore throat, tiny red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth, and a red rash on the body known as scarlet fever. Strep throat typically does not present with cold-like symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, or hoarseness. Conversely, viral tonsillitis often includes these upper respiratory symptoms.
Symptoms can overlap, making self-diagnosis unreliable. For instance, while white spots on tonsils can suggest strep, they can also occur with viral tonsillitis. Due to this overlap, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of tonsil inflammation.
How Doctors Diagnose and Treat
A medical examination is necessary to differentiate between strep throat and other causes of tonsillitis. Healthcare providers begin by examining the throat for redness, swelling, and the presence of white patches or pus on the tonsils. They also check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck. However, a visual inspection alone cannot definitively diagnose strep throat.
To confirm the presence of Streptococcus pyogenes, doctors use specific diagnostic tests. The rapid strep test involves swabbing the back of the throat to collect a sample. This test provides results within minutes. While rapid tests are highly specific, their sensitivity can vary, with a potential for false negatives.
If a rapid strep test is negative but strep throat is strongly suspected, a throat culture may be performed. A throat culture involves sending the swab sample to a laboratory to see if bacteria grow, with results usually available in 24 to 48 hours.
Treatment approaches depend on the underlying cause. If strep throat is diagnosed, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, and to reduce the spread of the infection. Penicillin and amoxicillin are commonly used antibiotics for strep throat, often prescribed for a 10-day course. Completing the full course of antibiotics is important even if symptoms improve quickly, within one to two days.
For viral tonsillitis, antibiotics are ineffective and not prescribed. Treatment focuses on supportive care: rest, adequate fluid intake, and pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage symptoms.
In cases of recurrent, severe tonsillitis, a surgical procedure called a tonsillectomy may be considered.