Question 1

How long does it take for the white dots to disappear if you have strep or tonsilitis?

Accepted Answer

If it is due to tonsillitis and you take antibiotics.  Some people have "tonsilliths" (tonsil stones) which will not get better with antibiotics.   These appear as whitish pockets of debris that are actually inside the tonsil and sort of poking out.   If you've been treated, your throat isn't sore, and you still have white spots-that's likely a tonsillith.  See your md if you're concerned.

Question 2

If i was prescribed azithromycin for strep throat 5 days ago and have no improvement. now i have severe tonsillitis. what do i do? can i take amox too

Accepted Answer

get a repeat strept test and also a mononucleosis test, since mono can mimic the world's worse sore throat.

Question 3

What's the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillitis is a generic term that describes an irritation/inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsillitis can be caused by infectious bacteria or viruses  strep throat refers to the bacterial organism sometimes responsible tor tonsillitis. It is characterized by beefy red, ulcerated, very painful tonsillitis. Strep throat remains the most common reason for removing the tonsils.

Question 4

Can you test negative for strep throat and have tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillitis has many causes. Lots of viruses cause it. Strep throat is pretty much the only bacteria that causes a lot of cases of tonsillitis. Strep throat is easy to test for and easy to treat in most cases. It does recur sometimes. The strep throat swabs that give results in 5 minutes are about 85-95% accurate, probably depending on how well the sample was obtained.

Question 5

Hi docs, can you tell me if strep throat and tonsillitis are the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils and can be caused by many different agents, including strep. Strep throat is caused by group a streptococcus, a specific germ that responds to antibiotics.

Question 6

How do i know if i have tonsillitis and not strep throat?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillitis is a nonspecific term designating the tonsils as inflamed & may occur with many germs including strep. Strep throat indicates a specific agent streptococcus group a  which is easily confirmed with a quick test or culture. While viral tonsillitis requires no abx & will self heal, strep needs rx to prevent complications & prevent spread within the community.

Question 7

Need advice on what is the the difference between strep throat & tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

A strep throat is a type of tonsllitis and pharyngitis.  Not all tonsillitis is caused by the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.  In fact most are caused by a variety of viruses.

Question 8

How long would strep throat/tonsillitis last while on penicillin?

Accepted Answer

The person is usually not contagious after completing the first 24 hours of antibiotics and they generally feel significant improvement after 24 to 48 hours. You still need to take the full course of antibiotics. Don't stop just because you are feeling better.

Question 9

Which is worse strep throat or tonsillitis caused by virus?

Accepted Answer

Either are not fun, and Strep is treated with antibiotics. Strep has risk of, albeit small, of affecting the kidneys and therefore it is treated with antibiotics.

Question 10

What should i do for strep throat and tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

For significant sore throat with swollen tonsils / lymph nodes –  see physician & get a streph throat test. If you have streph throat, antibiotic therapy is imperative to prevent future compications. Consider tylenol (acetaminophen) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Saltwater gargles: mix 1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water – gargle several times a day. Or gargle with aloe vera juice twice a day.

How long does it take for the white dots to disappear if you have strep or tonsilitis