Strep Throat vs Bronchitis: Differences in Symptoms and Treatment

Understanding Strep Throat and Bronchitis

Strep throat and bronchitis are two common respiratory conditions that share some similar symptoms but have key differences. Understanding the unique features of each illness helps in diagnosis and choosing appropriate treatments.

Strep Throat Overview

Strep throat is an infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria, usually group A Streptococcus (strep). It leads to irritation and inflammation of the throat and tonsils.

Strep throat is very contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Sharing drinks or utensils can also transmit strep bacteria.

Typical Strep Throat Symptoms

• Fever
• Sore, scratchy throat
• Painful swallowing
• Red, swollen tonsils
• White patches or pus on the tonsils
• Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Headache
• Fatigue or body aches
• Rash in some cases

Symptoms typically begin 1-5 days after exposure to strep bacteria. Without treatment, strep throat usually resolves on its own in 3-7 days, but risks serious complications like rheumatic fever.

Bronchitis Overview

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi, the airways that carry air into the lungs. It often results from viral respiratory infections but can also stem from bacteria, irritants, or allergies.

Acute bronchitis develops suddenly and causes coughing that lasts around 3 weeks. Chronic bronchitis is ongoing inflammation lasting months or years due to factors like smoking or asthma.

Common Bronchitis Symptoms

• Cough producing mucus (wet cough)
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Low fever around 100-101F
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache
• Runny nose

Symptoms tend to worsen at night and when exercising. Coughs linger long after other symptoms improve. Pulmonary function tests can check for bronchitis over pneumonia if the diagnosis is unclear.

Strep Throat vs. Bronchitis

While strep and bronchitis share some general symptoms, key differences help distinguish these illnesses:

Fever

Strep throat often causes a higher fever, frequently 102F or more. Bronchitis fevers tend to be lower grade around 100-101F.

Coughing

A wet cough producing mucus points more to bronchitis. Strep can cause a cough, but it is usually dry and hacking.

Duration

Strep throat typically improves in 3-7 days without treatment. A bronchitis cough lingers for weeks or months. Other bronchitis symptoms fade faster.

Complications

Untreated strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. Bronchitis seldom causes serious complications.

Contagiousness

Strep throat is more contagious. Bronchitis spreads too, but close contact over longer periods is usually required.

Treatment

Antibiotics treat strep infections. Bronchitis typically resolves without antibiotics, though they may help if bacteria caused it.

Strep Throat Diagnosis

Diagnosing strep throat begins with a physical exam of the throat and neck lymph nodes. Swabbing the throat and testing for strep bacteria provides definitive results.

Physical Exam

Healthcare providers visually inspect the throat and tonsils for characteristic signs of strep:

• Bright red, enlarged tonsils
• Swollen uvula dangling from the soft palate
• Dot-like white or yellowish pus
• Red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

Seeing these strep throat markers prompts lab testing to confirm.

Throat Swab Test

Swabbing the throat and testing the sample is the sure way to diagnose strep throat. Two types of swab tests detect strep:

• Rapid antigen detection test - Gives quick results in minutes by looking for strep proteins. Highly accurate when positive.
• Throat culture - Grows bacteria from a swab over 1-3 days. Definitive if rapid test was negative but strep is still suspected.

Positive swab tests indicate antibiotics are needed. Negative rapid tests may need a backup culture since false negatives occur.

Bronchitis Diagnosis

Bronchitis diagnosis relies more on symptoms and medical history since examinations are often unrevealing. Chest x-rays and other tests help rule out complications or other conditions.

Physical Exam

The physical exam in bronchitis focuses on the lungs. Findings may include:

• Noisy breathing or wheezing
• Decreased breath sounds
• Crackles heard through a stethoscope
• Shortness of breath
• Fever

Lack of overt lung abnormalities does not rule out bronchitis. The cough and mucus production are the main diagnostic clues.

Chest X-Ray

Chest x-rays allow visualizing the lungs and airways. They help rule out pneumonia or other complications. X-rays are most useful for chronic bronchitis patients to check for long-term damage.

Sputum Tests

Coughing up mucus for testing rarely occurs. It may identify infections requiring antibiotics if bacteria caused the bronchitis. Viruses cause most acute bronchitis.

Treating Strep Throat

Treatment focuses on relieving strep throat symptoms and shortening illness duration with antibiotics. Home remedies also help ease discomfort.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin combat the strep infection. They speed healing, reduce contagiousness, and prevent complications. Treatment lasts 10 days.

Rest and Hydration

Resting prevents exacerbating symptoms and helps the body heal. Drinking plenty of water or warm teas prevents dehydration and soothes the sore throat.

Pain and Fever Relief

Over-the-counter medicines alleviate pain and fever:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever and sore throat
• Sprays or lozenges with lidocaine or benzocaine numb the throat
• Salt water gargles reduce swelling and irritation

Aspirin should be avoided in children due to its risks.

Follow Up

Follow up testing after finishing antibiotics confirms the strep has resolved. Lingering symptoms may indicate complications like sinusitis or tonsillitis.

Treating Bronchitis

No specific treatments cure acute viral bronchitis. Care focuses on managing symptoms until it resolves on its own.

Rest and Hydration

Adequate rest and fluids allow the body to combat the infection. Avoid smoke, dust, and other lung irritants that could prolong symptoms.

Humidification

Moistening the air with a humidifier helps loosen mucus and reduce coughs and congestion. Hot showers provide temporary relief as well.

Medications

Over-the-counter cough suppressants and expectorants make coughs more productive. Decongestants may reduce nasal symptoms. Avoid suppressing coughs too much as coughing helps clear mucus.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics do not work for viral bronchitis. They may help if bacteria caused it, shortening duration by 1-2 days. Sputum tests help identify bacterial infections.

Preventing Strep and Bronchitis

Good hygiene and healthy habits reduce the likelihood of developing strep throat, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils.
• Get adequate sleep and nutrition.
• Keep vaccinations up to date.
• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
• Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home when sick to prevent spreading infection.

While neither strep nor bronchitis can always be prevented, these simple precautions significantly lower risk.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.