San Francisco, CA
A 21-year-old female asked:
I have a very sore throat, (several days)and it hurts to swallow. im starting to see white spots on my tonsils but can't be sure. tonsillitis or strep?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Carla Enriquezanswered
Pediatrics 52 years experience
Could be both: "tonsillitis" is a nonspecific term for inflammation of the tonsils. "strep" refers to a specific cause of tonsillitis. But you can get strep without having tonsils and you can get tonsillitis without having strep. Only a throat culture/rapid test can discern if strep is present. Usually there is fever, swollen glands without cold symptoms in strep infection. Important to treat strep - see doc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Howard Schneideranswered
Pediatric Dentistry 36 years experience
Does it matter?: Either way you need to see your medical doctor right away for proper treatment. Untreated throat infections can lead to a whole host of other problems. Don't wait!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Carla Enriquez commented
Pediatrics 52 years experience
Most viral tonsillitis episodes are self limited and need no medical attention, particularly if there are no systemic symptoms.
Apr 7, 2013
Last updated Apr 12, 2020
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