Sore Throat vs Strep Throat: Key Differences and Symptoms
A sore throat is pain or scratchiness in the throat that often worsens when swallowing. It's usually caused by a respiratory infection like a cold. But a sore throat can also be a symptom of strep throat, a bacterial infection that requires different treatment.
Causes of Sore Throat
Some common causes of sore throat include:
- Viral infections like colds or flu
- Allergies
- Dry air
- Smoking cigarettes
- Yelling or voice strain
- Pollution or chemical irritants
In children, sore throat is typically due to a virus. But in adolescents and adults, strep throat is a major cause of painful sore throats.
Causes of Strep Throat
Strep throat is caused specifically by streptococcal bacteria. It spreads through:
- Respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing
- Direct contact with someone who is infected
- Sharing food, drinks, or other personal items
Strep throat can occur year-round but is most common in winter and early spring.
Is it a Cold, Strep Throat, or Something Else?
Strep throat symptoms have a lot of overlap with cold symptoms, so testing is needed to confirm the cause. Here are some key differences:
Onset of Illness
- Cold: Gradual symptoms over a few days
- Strep: Rapid onset within 24-72 hours
Fever
- Cold: No fever or mild
- Strep: Moderate to high fever (over 101F)
Headache
- Cold: Rare
- Strep: Often severe
Body Aches
- Cold: Mild achiness
- Strep: Intense soreness and body aches
While some symptoms overlap, rapid onset with high fever and body aches points more to strep throat.
Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat
How can you identify strep throat and know when to see a doctor? Here are the most common signs and symptoms:
Severe Sore Throat
Strep throat causes considerable throat pain that often comes on very quickly. It usually gets worse when swallowing.
Fever
Fevers with strep throat tend to be high, in the 101-104F range. Fevers persist until antibiotics are started.
White Spots on the Throat
Small white patches or spots on the tonsils and back of the throat are indicative of strep. Spots may be streaky.
Red and Swollen Tonsils
The tonsils become inflamed and red. They may also be visibly covered in pus.
Difficult or Painful Swallowing
Eating and drinking is uncomfortable due to severe sore throat pain that worsens when you swallow.
Headache
Frontal headaches ranging from moderate to severe often accompany strep throat.
Body Aches
Generalized achiness similar to flu symptoms is common. The neck is often particularly sore.
Not everyone will experience all symptoms. But seeing your doctor is recommended if you have multiple potential signs of strep.
Strep Throat Diagnosis and Testing
Since viral and bacterial throat infections have overlapping symptoms, tests are needed to confirm strep throat. These include:
Physical Exam
Your doctor will look for signs of strep like white spots on the throat, swollen tonsils, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
Rapid Strep Test
This quick strep throat swab can detect streptococcus antigens in minutes with high accuracy.
Throat Culture
A throat swab is taken and grown in a culture medium to identify any streptococcus bacteria present.
Complete Blood Count Test
A CBC blood test can reveal elevated white blood cells from bacterial infection.
Doctors will combine exam findings with rapid tests and/or cultures to diagnose strep throat.
Strep Throat vs Sore Throat Treatment
Appropriate treatment depends on identifying whether sore throat is caused by a virus or strep bacteria:
Viral Sore Throat Treatment
Only symptomatic relief is available for viral sore throats since antibiotics don't work on viruses. Treatment may include:
- Rest and fluids
- Gargling warm salt water
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Cold medications
- Cough drops or throat lozenges
- Chicken soup
Strep Throat Treatment
Bacterial strep throat is treated with:
- Oral antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin for 10 days
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever and pain
- Salt water gargling
- Plenty of rest and fluids
Prompt antibiotic treatment cures strep throat infection and prevents complications like rheumatic fever.
How to Prevent Strep Throat
You can lower your risk of getting strep throat with these prevention tips:
Practice Good Hygiene
Wash hands frequently and use sanitizer to avoid spread of strep bacteria.
Avoid Those Who Are Sick
Reduce contact with people who have confirmed strep throat or other illnesses.
Don't Share Drinks or Utensils
Using your own cups, glasses, and silverware helps prevent transmission.
Clean Household Surfaces
Disinfect doorknobs, counters, and other surfaces strep bacteria can live on.
Get Treated Quickly
Taking a full course of antibiotics helps prevent recurrent strep throat.
Consider Tonsil Removal
For those with frequent bouts of strep throat, tonsillectomy surgery may help.
Proper hygiene and prompt antibiotic treatment of strep throat can reduce recurrence and complications.
When to See a Doctor for Sore Throat
Consult your doctor if any of the following apply:
- Sore throat lasts over 1 week
- Severe throat pain that worsens when swallowing
- High fever over 101F <li
FAQs
How can you tell if a sore throat is strep throat or just a cold?
Strep throat tends to come on suddenly with high fever, body aches, headache, pain when swallowing, and white patches on the throat. Colds have more gradual onset with lower fever and milder symptoms.
What is the most accurate test for diagnosing strep throat?
The rapid strep test and throat culture are the most reliable ways to diagnose strep throat and rule out other causes of sore throat.
How long does strep throat last if not treated?
Untreated strep throat typically lasts 1-2 weeks but can persist for months and lead to complications like rheumatic fever. Antibiotics shorten duration.
Should you go to school/work with strep throat?
No, you should stay home until finishing a full course of antibiotics for strep throat to avoid spreading the infection to others.
What helps a sore throat feel better?
For sore throat relief, try throat lozenges, cold liquids, honey, humidifier use, salt water gargling, OTC pain meds, and getting plenty of rest.
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.
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