Tonsillitis is most often caused by common viruses, but bacterial infections also can be the cause. The most common bacterium causing tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the bacterium that causes strep throat. Other strains of strep and other bacteria also may cause tonsillitis.
One key difference is that tonsillitis involves inflammation of the tonsils, while strep throat involves a specific bacterium infecting the throat. This could also affect the tonsils. Because of this, a person could have strep throat with tonsillitis at the same time.
Strep throat is more severe than tonsillitis, and it's caused by a specific strain of bacteria called Streptococcus. If untreated, it can damage the kidneys or turn into rheumatic fever, a disease that damages heart valves. Strep throat symptoms include: A fever greater than 101 degrees.
Since bacteria cause strep throat, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent rheumatic fever and other complications.
It's difficult to tell just by looking at a person's throat whether they have tonsillitis as a result of a virus or a bacterial infection. Tests are needed to confirm this. Antibiotics may be recommended if test results show that your tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Strep throat typically goes away in three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. However, if you don't take antibiotics, you can remain contagious for two to three weeks and are at a higher risk for complications, such as rheumatic fever.
Left untreated, strep throat can lead to kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause stroke and permanent damage to the heart. Fortunately, strep throat can be easily diagnosed with a simple throat culture, and promptly treated with a course of antibiotics.
Tonsillitis is most often caused by common viruses, but bacterial infections also can be the cause. The most common bacterium causing tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the bacterium that causes strep throat. Other strains of strep and other bacteria also may cause tonsillitis.
White spots, blotches, or streaks on the tonsils can be a sign of various conditions, including strep throat and oral thrush. Treatment is available for most of these conditions. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system and located on the back of the throat.
Rapid strep test kits are available over the counter at drugstores and do not require a doctor's prescription. These tests are quick and easy to use, giving you results in as little as five minutes. It works just like a rapid test that doctors perform.
Tonsillitis caused by a viral infection is generally contagious for between 7 to 10 days, whereas bacterial tonsillitis may be contagious for up to two weeks. In some cases infected individuals are chronic carriers and can be mildly contagious for extended periods of time.
Tonsillitis usually improves on its own after around a week. It's most often caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help. Even if it's a bacterial infection, it will often settle without antibiotics. You can ease your symptoms with self-help measures and over-the-counter medicines.
The signs and symptoms of strep throat are the same for both children and adults. Although these signs may indicate strep throat, a visit to the doctor or a telemedicine consult is necessary to make a full determination. Strep throat cannot be diagnosed by visual signs alone.
To diagnose tonsillitis, the majority of patients will be physically examined by their doctor. Since strep throat can cause tonsillitis, your doctor will often do a strep test. If the test is negative, the tonsillitis is likely caused by a virus. In this case, antibiotics are neither necessary nor useful.
Foods To Be Avoided
Alcohol and carbonated beverages must be avoided, as these beverages can cause intense pain, irritation, and burning sensation in the throat. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are acidic in nature, which may be too harsh on the throat and irritate the tonsils.
Fever. Pain when swallowing. Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red. Red and swollen tonsils.
Strep throat is usually treated with antibiotics. Since it is a bacterial infection, it will not “run its course” like viral illnesses. Left untreated, streptococcal bacteria can cause inflammation of the kidneys, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever and a specific type of arthritis.
Bacterial infections, like strep throat, tend to cause more severe pain that doesn't get better. With strep, it may hurt so much that you can barely swallow. Sometimes, it can cause nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, or stomach pain as well.
While throat pain and fever are the most common and notable symptoms of strep throat, other signs of this bacterial infection may include: Body aches. Fatigue.
The CDC recommend that people with strep throat should stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours and have been taking antibiotics for at least 1 day. People who do not receive treatment can remain contagious until they are better.
In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home treatment. However, it's time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.
Symptoms typically get worse over 2-3 days and then gradually go, usually within a week.