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

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.

Inflammation: "itis" attached to a word refers to inflammation of the tissue, regardless of the cause. Tonsillitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infection. Strep throat refers to an infection caused by a particular bacteria ( streptococcus). Streptococcus can cause inflammation of the pharynx ( pharyngitis) and / or the tonsils( tonsillitis).

Tonsillitis is: caused by Strep (bacteria) but there are many other types of viral infections that cause tonsillitis and some other bacteria too. Think of it this way; All dogs are mammals, but not all mammals are dogs. All "Strep throat" is tonsillitis, but not all tonsillitis is caused by strep. Tonsillitis is the general category of the problem, strep is the specific type of problem in the category. Get well!