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Published on: 18th September 2024
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Zainab Alhuishmawi
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Zainab Alhuishmawi
Inflammation of the tonsils leads to tonsillitis, while strep throat or streptococcal pharyngitis is a throat inflammation caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. As the tonsils are a part of the pharynx (throat), many confuse it with strep throat. To understand the difference, it is crucial to know the biology.
- The two oval-shaped, pink-colored small bumps, one each on either side of the throat are palatine tonsils.
- The infection of this lymphatic system organ is tonsillitis.
- However, throat infections caused by bacteria cause strep throat in adults and children.
According to the National Library of medicine, Sore throats typically result from inflammation caused by cold viruses, which can affect the tonsils. Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, usually resolves within one to two weeks but may recur. Let us acquaint you with how to treat strep throat and tonsillitis, the symptoms, causes, complications, prevention techniques, and home remedies for such inflammation.
Table of Contents
- Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications
- Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications
- Tonsils Inflammation and Strep Throat: Diagnosis and Testing
- Strep Throat and Tonsillitis Treatment, Prevention, and Care Options
- Conclusion: Caring for Tonsils Inflammation and Strep Throat
- Doctor on Call Service for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications
Causes of Strep Throat
The group A Streptococcus (GAS), or S. pyogenes bacterium is often the cause for a strep throat. This bacterium also leads to 30% of tonsils problems.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
- The strep throat symptoms include painful swallowing, headache, fever, and pain in the abdomen.
- You may also encounter bouts of vomiting, nausea, and sudden sore throat due to the growing throat infection.
- Swelling of tender lymph nodes in the neck and an area of pus around red tonsils, which may also swell.
Complications of Strep Throat
- If you do not seek strep throat treatment on time, inflammation can impact the joints, brain, heart, and skin.
- You may suffer from rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation known as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
- A life-threatening infection of the deep muscle, blood, lungs, and fat tissue is known as an invasive GAS infection.
- Scarlet Fever occurs when the strep bacteria produce a toxin, leading to a red rash, high fever, and a “strawberry tongue.” While treatable, if ignored, it can result in more severe health issues.
Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications
Here is all you need to know about tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis Causes
Most people get tonsillitis because of viral infection from rhinovirus. Other germs responsible are herpes simplex virus, influenza A (flu virus), and Epstein-Barr virus (mono).
Tonsillitis Symptoms
- The tonsillitis symptoms are sore throat, headache, cough, red and swollen tonsils with pus infection.
- Painful swallowing, runny nose, fever, and bad breath.
- The tender lymph nodes may swell in the neck. You may even get a postnasal drip.
Tonsillitis Complications
- Apart from rheumatic fever, tonsillitis symptoms can worsen and give rise to post-streptococcal arthritis, jugular vein thrombophlebitis, necrotizing fasciitis, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and scarlet fever due to toxins in the body.
- You can even get sinusitis and ear infection, as the germ can spread to the nose and eustachian tube of the ear.
- Due to GAS, you may even suffer from toxic shock syndrome, brain abscess, and meningitis. When the tonsillitis is untreated for a long time, it can lead to organ failure and low blood pressure.
Tonsils Inflammation and Strep Throat: Diagnosis and Testing
To recommend wellness at home, the healthcare provider will check the person’s throat, neck, and head area. It is difficult to confirm the infection’s cause is a particular bacterium, GAS, or virus by looking at the affected area. Thus, here are the following diagnosis methods applicable:
Tonsillitis Complications
- A throat culture or rapid strep test can detect the kind of infection. The doctor can check for viral inflammation by performing a rapid viral nasopharyngeal swab test.
- Acute tonsillitis can affect individuals of any age, though it is more commonly observed in young adults and children. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination of the throat and an assessment of symptoms.
- The doctor will swab the back of the tonsils and throat. The sample will be put in a container, where a solution will be added to track if strep throat and GAS bacterium are present. You can expect the result on the same day.
- However, the strep throat rapid test result can be negative. If the healthcare provider feels further investigation is required, the sample will be sent for throat culture. Here, you can expect the results in 2-3 days.
Strep Throat and Tonsillitis Treatment, Prevention, and Care Options
Know the tonsil inflammation and strep throat treatment options. We will also discuss other prevention and care techniques like:
How to Treat Tonsillitis?
- In most cases, tonsils are caused by a virus. The healthcare provider may recommend antibiotics if the inflammation is from bacteria.
- Usually, your immune system will fight the infection. But if the condition becomes recurrent or chronic, seek medical attention from an ENT (ears, nose, throat) specialist.
- To treat persistent tonsillitis, you may have to undergo tonsillectomy. This is a type of surgery to remove tonsils.
How to Treat Strep Throat?
- The healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for strep throat treatment or give a benzathine penicillin G shot. If you have a fever, it is advisable to rest for at least a day after using antibiotics.
- Medicines like amoxicillin and penicillin also treat the condition. Another antibiotic alternative is erythromycin if you are allergic to penicillin.
- For such a throat infection, you can also use cephalexin or cephalosporin through a prescription from a professional.
Prevention and Home Remedies
To get relief from tonsillitis symptoms and strep throat symptoms, you can take some preventive steps and follow home remedies as follows:
- If you are prone to throat problems, get help from a doctor on call and seek ready treatment, knowing the tips to manage and treat the condition.
- Avoid intake of oranges, pineapples, and other citrus fruits to restrict the worsening of throat infection.
- Submit to regular examinations annually if you have a history of issues related to tonsils and throat.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to irritants like room fresheners, mouth fresheners, etc.
- Drink a lot of water. You can also have honey and lemon tea or sip on warm and nutritious herbal teas.
- Try soothing lozenges for sore throat and irritation.
- Install a room humidifier if the bedroom air is dry.
- To alleviate pain and fever, you may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen medication.
- Do warm saltwater gargle to ease tonsils inflammation and throat issues. Repeat at least 2-3 times a day.
Conclusion: Caring for Tonsils Inflammation and Strep Throat
Be it tonsillitis or strep throat, treatment is possible if you take quick action. Seek medical assistance on time, and until then follow the recommended tips to manage the condition as mentioned in this blog and by your healthcare provider.
Doctor on Call Service for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of strep throat or tonsillitis and are unsure of the next steps, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly. With First Response Healthcare’s doctor on call service, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home. Available 24/7 across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, our service ensures that you receive timely and professional medical care right where you are—whether in your home, hotel, or office. This is especially beneficial for those dealing with the discomfort of throat infections, as it allows you to get the necessary treatment without the added strain of traveling to a clinic. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or a quieter residential area, our trusted doctors are just a call away, ready to help you recover quickly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How to tell if you have strep throat without tonsils?
Consult a doctor and get a rapid strep test and physical examination of the throat to know what type of throat infection you have.
Q. How can we tell the difference between strep throat and viral infection?
You can get a strep throat rapid test to understand if the inflammation of the throat is from a virus, bacterium, or any other kind of germ.
Q. Do you cough with strep?
Typically, coughing is not a symptom of strep throat, as it is more often associated with viral infections. However, if you experience a cough along with strep throat, it could be a sign of a secondary infection, such as pneumonia, which requires medical attention.
Q. Can strep throat heal on its own?
Yes, strep throat can technically heal on its own, but it is highly inadvisable to leave it untreated due to the risk of serious complications.
Q. How to test for strep throat at home?
Throat swab kits are available to test for throat infection at home. Follow the instructions on the kit label to perform the test. Results show within 5 to 15 minutes.
