What is the difference between Tonsillitis and Strep Throat? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between Tonsillitis and Strep Throat?

Asked by G. GRAY, Last updated: Feb 20, 2024

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4 Answers

G. Tanaka

G. Tanaka

Who deals with teeth problems and fix them

G. Tanaka
G. Tanaka, Dentist, MDS, Liverpool

Answered Oct 13, 2020

Tonsillitis and strep throat have similar symptoms because strep throat is considered a type of tonsillitis. Symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, redness and swelling in the tonsils, large, tender Lymph nodes in the neck, fever and difficulty or pain when swallowing, fever, stiff, upset stomach, headache and white or yellow discoloration on or around your tonsils.

Symptoms of strep include sore throat, small red spots on the roof of your mouth, difficulty or pain when swallowing, body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, especially in children, swollen, and red tonsils with white streaks of pus.

Causes of tonsillitis can be caused by a variety of viruses such as influenza, coronavirus, adenovirus, HIV, herpes simplex virus and Epstein- Barr virus. In extreme cases they lead to scarlet fever, kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever.

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N. Reyes

N. Reyes

A good writer and orator as well.

N. Reyes
N. Reyes, Writer, B.ed, California

Answered Oct 13, 2020

Tonsillitis and strep throat are two types of infections. One of the major differences between the two infections is that; while step throat is caused by any of a group of bacteria known as Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus, tonsillitis can either be caused by a virus or bacterium. The bacterium that causes strep throat is usually located in the throat.

Symptoms such as sore throat and scratchy feeling in the throat, dysphagia, inflamed lymph nodes, fever, are the symptoms of strep throat. It is important to manage this infection very early as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils.

It is caused when the tonsils are infected either by a virus or bacterium. This in turn causes the irritation of the tonsils. The symptoms of tonsillitis are similar to that of strep throat which actually explains why tonsillitis can be mistaken for strep throat.

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Robert Hazlewood

Robert Hazlewood

Here to relax my mind a bit

Robert Hazlewood
Robert Hazlewood, Senior Executive, MBA, Louisville

Answered Oct 12, 2020

Tonsillitis and strep throat are two infections that affect the mouth. Tonsillitis affects the tonsils. When this condition occurs, inflammation occurs. This type of inflammation can either be viral or bacterial.

Before it can be diagnosed, an exam of the throat must be conducted. If the inflammation is viral, doctors are not able to treat it directly. As the name suggests, strep throat is an infection of the throat.

When strep throat is diagnosed, the doctor will treat the patient with antibiotics—the cause of this bacteria. Many people confuse the two because the symptoms are similar, but it is important to know the difference when it comes to treating.

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O.Olivia

O.Olivia

O.Olivia
O.Olivia

Answered Feb 17, 2020

Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils are inflamed. Tonsils are the lumps on either side of the throat that is made up of a group of tissues. Inflammation of tonsils may be bacterial or viral. A thorough examination of the throat is the way to determine that it is, in fact, tonsillitis that is ailing you. In the case of tonsillitis, the doctor will not be able to treat it directly if a virus is the cause of tonsillitis.

Strep throat is the most common bacteria which causes respiratory distress. Strep throat is otherwise known as infection of the throat. For this, doctors typically prescribe the patient antibiotics. The indications of strep throat are similar to tonsillitis. Strep throat is caused by specific bacteria, which is called streptococcus, and this may also cause tonsillitis. However, it is not the only possible cause of this sickness.

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