Strep Throat vs. Sore Throat: What’s the Difference?

Did you know the difference between strep throat and sore throat? Both conditions are caused by infection and affect your throat. They are not the same. They have many differences which make their treatment vary. Learn the difference between strep throat and sore throat to identify them and get treated accordingly. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

 

Ways to tell the difference between strep throat and sore throat

Many differences help you distinguish between strep and sore throat.

First, strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection in the throat, whereas a sore throat is caused by either viral or bacterial infection in the throat.

Causes

The bacteria that cause strep throat is called Group A streptococcus, and the most common bacteria is tonsillitis. Whereas around 90% of sore throat cases are caused by viruses which include rhinoviruses or a respiratory syncytial virus or accompanied by other illnesses.

Transmission

Strep throat can spread from an infected person’s water droplets when they sneeze or cough. You can also get infected by sharing personal things or objects, such as tables, clothes, dishes, or bed sheets that have the bacteria.

Sore throat spreads through viruses which are more contagious and easily passed to a healthy person by coming in contact with someone who is infected. It is also caused by:

  • Heartburn
  • Pollution
  • Allergies
  • Fungal infection
  • Parasitic infection
  • Cigarette smoke

Remember that sore throat can occur with a cold, or a strain of the flu at the same time.

Symptoms

Here are the different symptoms you notice with strep or sore throat.

Strep throat symptoms

  • Fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius
  • Pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Pain in your throat
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Abscesses around your tonsils
  • Red or swollen tonsils on the back of the throat.
  • Swollen lymph nodes on the front of your neck.

During strep throat, you may not experience other symptoms like coughing or runny nose.

Sore throat symptoms

  • Dry hoarse cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Mild fever
  • Red and inflamed throat

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of both sore and strep throat is similar. The doctor checks your medical history and symptoms. They perform a rapid strep test to get immediate results. If your tests come negative, then take a sample of swab from your throat and test it for bacterial culture.

It takes a few days to get the results of this test. And if you go for a sore throat test, they will also test for strep throat by performing similar tests, and if the result comes back negative for strep bacteria, then a virus is causing your sore throat.

Treatment

Treatments are different for the conditions.

Usually, strep throat is treated by antibiotics prescribed by a physician which help you get rid of the infection and ease your symptoms within a day or two. Keep in mind that you need to finish their course as the doctor prescribes even when your symptoms are gone because sometimes the infection can return.

The most common antibiotics are – penicillin and amoxicillin. In case you are allergic to penicillin, they prescribe another antibiotic.

If you are left untreated or not properly treated, it can lead to several complications such as rheumatic fever. People who suffer from this fever may experience achy joints, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Heart complications may occur with rheumatic fever.

If you have a sore throat that is caused by a virus, there’s no medicine to cure a viral infection. The virus goes away on its own usually within 7 to 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks). They may prescribe some over-the-counter remedies to reduce your symptoms.

In case your sore throat is caused by another reason such as an allergy or fungal infection, then the doctor may prescribe a different treatment.

Conclusion

Strep throat and sore throat both cause infections and affect your throat. However, they are not the same. Strep throat is caused by bacteria whereas sore throat is caused by viruses or bacteria as well. Sore throat also occurs with other illnesses as well. Both conditions cause different symptoms as well. The major difference in their symptoms is that strep throat doesn’t cause any other illnesses or symptoms, but sore throat does. This way you can differentiate between them and get treatment accordingly.

 

In case you experience any of these conditions or symptoms, come to us for your proper diagnosis and treatment. Call us to get an appointment or for a consultation.

Call us to book your appointment now and get vaccinated on time and get updates for future necessary vaccines to maximum protection for the entire year!!!!! Our infectious disease doctors make sure your condition gets diagnosed and treated properly. For more information or to make an appointment, call us to get a consultation. Call us on +1-347-384-5690. If you need any information on infections, log on to www.doralhw.org  get a consultation. We have the best doctors that can help you and improve your quality of life!