Question 1

which is worse strep throat or tonsillitis caused by virus?

Accepted Answer

Worse?: 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 2

what should i do for strep throat and tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics needed: 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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Two issues: 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 4

what's the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

Strep throat: 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 5

can you test negative for strep throat and have tonsillitis?

Accepted Answer

Sure. Happens often.: 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 6

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

Accepted Answer

See below: 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 7

is there a difference between tonsillitis and strep throat? i was diagnosed with strep, but i think i have tonsillitis.

Accepted Answer

Can be the same: Strep bacterial cause a generalized infection of the throat,thus the name strep throat. The entire pharynx is involved including the tonsils.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

PCN: 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

how much time does strep throat/tonsillitis last while on penicillin?

Accepted Answer

24 -48 hrs: You usually feel better in 24 -48 hrs ( usually you are on the medication for 7 - 10 days). If you still feel ill, I would contacted your doctor. Could be strep that is resistant to penicillin or a more serious strep infection.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

No: 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.

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Doctor answers about:

Is tonsillitis worse than strep throat

A member asked:

Which is worse strep throat or tonsillitis caused by virus?

A member asked:

What should i do for strep throat and tonsillitis?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

What's the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis?

A member asked:

Can you test negative for strep throat and have tonsillitis?

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

A member asked:

Is there a difference between tonsillitis and strep throat? i was diagnosed with strep, but i think i have tonsillitis.

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

How much time does strep throat/tonsillitis last while on penicillin?

A member asked:

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

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