Tonsillitis and strep throat are common contagious infections of the throat that share symptoms. Although they can sometimes be caused by the same bacteria, they're different conditions. Tonsillitis occurs when a virus or bacterium causes an infection in the tonsils (the soft tissue lumps at the back of the throat).
The terms "strep throat" and "tonsillitis" are often used interchangeably, but that is not completely accurate. It is possible to have tonsillitis without ever getting strep throat. The confusion often stems from the fact that these two diseases can be caused by A Streptococcus bacteria.
Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections in the throat that cause inflammation. If the tonsils are primarily affected, it is called tonsillitis. If the throat is primarily affected, it is called pharyngitis. A child might even have inflammation and infection of both the tonsils and the throat.
In addition to the common cold and many types of viruses and bacteria, things like air pollution, allergies, and acid reflux can lead to a sore throat. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have frequent sore throats or a sore throat that doesn't go away for a few weeks.
Sometimes viral illnesses cause a sore throat that may be mistaken for strep throat. These include common cold viruses, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), influenza (the "flu"), croup, mononucleosis (“mono”), measles, and chickenpox.
Glandular fever (also knowns as infectious mononucleosisis, or “mono”) is an infection caused by the Epstein Barr virus, a kind of herpes. It usually causes an illness much like tonsillitis, although the symptoms may be more severe and last for a longer period of time.
Some cases of tonsillitis are due to glandular fever and may take much longer to fully recover from. What is quinsy? It is an abscess or a pus build up on your tonsil. It usually only occurs on one side and can occur after having tonsillitis.
Quinsy, also known as a peritonsillar abscess, is a rare and potentially serious complication of tonsillitis. You should see your GP if you or your child have symptoms of quinsy.
Quinsy can endanger health and even your life if left untreated. This throat condition is often mistaken for tonsillitis but even though it has similar symptoms it is much worse than this. It causes problems with swallowing and in the worse case scenario can result in a condition called aspiration.
Other Causes for Swollen Tonsils
Your tonsils can swell and become inflamed due to allergies. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) may also cause swollen tonsils. Syphilis can cause sores in the mouth, and gonorrhea causes burning and sores.
Symptoms of quinsy include: A painful and swiftly worsening sore throat, usually in one side of the throat rather than both. Swelling of the mouth or throat which may cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Difficulty opening your mouth which may impact speaking, eating and drinking.
Quinsy symptoms
A worsening sore throat, usually on one side. A high temperature of 38 degrees C or above. Difficulty opening your mouth. Pain when eating and drinking.
Strep throat is an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria, Streptococcus. When your child has a strep throat, the tonsils are usually very inflamed, and the inflammation may affect the surrounding part of the throat as well. Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils.
The throat may appear red and the tonsils covered with a whitish material. Mononucleosis and severe streptococcal tonsillitis appear quite similar. Unless there are other findings to suggest mononucleosis, a throat culture and blood studies may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
More severe symptoms of glandular fever can include the following: Tonsils swollen with pus or severe ulceration. Persistent enlarged lymph glands. High fever.
“It is not uncommon to confuse a cold-related sore throat with the more serious strep throat, but there are differences,” said Family Nurse Practitioner Rosemary Schairer, of Samaritan Internal Medicine - Corvallis.
Chlamydia in the throat can look different in different people, but oftentimes it looks a lot like strep throat. Along with throat pain, you may notice redness in the back of your throat or white spots around your tonsils.
Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune reaction to the strep bacteria. An autoimmune reaction is when the body attacks its own tissues. It can be prevented if strep throat is diagnosed right away and treated correctly with antibiotics.
You may not have any symptoms but still have the strep bacteria, which you can spread to another person. If tonsillitis is left untreated, a complication can develop called a peritonsillar abscess. This is an area around the tonsils that's filled with bacteria, and it can cause these symptoms: Severe throat pain.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis describes inflammation of one or more tonsil. The tonsils are located at the back of the throat, and a virus or bacterium usually causes the infection and inflammation. An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. It may also cause a fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing.
Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning. Exposure to certain allergens at night may also worsen postnasal drip and sore throat.
Red flags. Severe sore throat, hoarse/croaky voice, severe dysphagia and fever is epiglottitis until proven otherwise. Stridor may be a late sign and patients can decompensate rapidly. Beware of severe sore throat with severe dysphagia - without any signs of tonsillitis/pharyngitis in the oropharynx.