Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: How to Tell the Difference 

Overview 

Various factors can lead to the occurrence of sore throats. These factors include viruses and bacteria. Throat discomfort can be caused by dry air, Streptococcus pyogenes, allergies, or even drainage from a runny nose.

However, it is essential to note that not all sore throats are the same. While allergies or a runny nose can be bothersome and cause pain, strep throat is a medical condition that requires proper treatment from a doctor. 

If there is a suspicion of strep throat, it is essential to seek treatment due to various factors. Firstly, there is a risk of infecting others. Additionally, the bacteria responsible for strep throat can spread to other tissues, resulting in a more severe infection. It is common for children to experience strep throat, which can cause severe discomfort while swallowing and may be accompanied by a fever of 101 degrees or higher. 

Moreover, if strep throat is left untreated, there is a rare possibility of developing a more severe illness such as rheumatic fever.

Sore throat symptoms 

Various factors can lead to a sore or itchy throat, such as allergens like pollen and dust, food intolerances, or occasionally bacterial infections. Viral infections, particularly influenza, are the most prevalent causes. 

• A swollen, scratchy, itchy throat or tonsils 
• Earache 
• Cough 
• Congestion 
• Moderate fever 
• Itchy eyes if allergies are the cause 
• Runny nose 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Moderate rash 

Strep throat symptoms 

Group A streptococcus bacteria causes strep throat, commonly called Group A Strep, and presents distinct symptoms compared to viral or allergic sore throats. These symptoms may include: 

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing 
• Ear infection 
• Headache 
• Fever 
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes accompanied by white patches or streaks 
• A sore throat without cough/cold symptoms like a runny nose or congestion 
• Swollen lymph nodes (right below the earlobes) 

If left untreated, strep infection can result in the development of Scarlet Fever and Rheumatic fever. These illnesses can be severe; hence, it is advisable to take a proactive approach.

Difference between sore throat and strep throat 

Condition	Symptoms	Throat appearance
Healthy throat	If there is no pain or difficulty while swallowing,  it suggests a healthy throat.	Typically, a healthy throat appears uniformly  pink and glossy. The tonsils, which are  located on either side of the back of the throat may be visibly pink in some individuals.
Sore throat	Symptoms of this illness include coughing,  a runny nose, and hoarseness that can alter the  sound of one’s voice. Additionally, some individuals  may experience conjunctivitis or pink eye. While  most people’s symptoms will improve within one to  two weeks, they are typically mild and not  accompanied by a high fever.	Mild swelling or redness
Strep throat	Symptoms of rapid onset include  discomfort during swallowing, elevated  body temperature exceeding 101°F (38°C),  enlarged tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes.	The tonsils may appear swollen and  extremely red, with white patches  present on them or at the back of the throat.  In some cases, the throat may exhibit  redness along with moderate swelling.

Strep throat and sore throat differ in their underlying cause, with strep throat caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. In contrast, other sore throats can be caused by different viruses, bacteria, or irritants, such as allergies. 

Treatment plans and medications for different types of pharyngitis also vary. In cases where the sore throat is mild or caused by a less severe factor, home remedies may be sufficient to alleviate the symptoms. However, if the signs of strep throat are more powerful, such as the presence of redness or white spots on the tonsils, patients should undergo a rapid strep test at a clinic. 

Red sore throat 

A red and painful throat is a characteristic symptom of bacterial pharyngitis, such as strep throat. The patient’s tonsils will appear enlarged and inflamed, exhibiting a deeper hue than the surrounding tissue. Additionally, the redness may manifest as streaks, or the patient may observe small, vivid red spots on the throat and the roof of the mouth. 

White spots on the throat 

Distinct white spots, splotches, or streaks on the tonsils, accompanied by a red sore throat, are indicative of a bacterial throat infection. In such cases, the patient should seek medical attention from a clinician to undergo strep testing. This testing is crucial as it helps determine whether the infection is caused by less harmful bacteria, which may not necessitate antibiotic treatment.  

Diagnosis and tests 

Healthcare providers can use a rapid strep test to detect antigens specific to the Streptococcus A bacteria strain. However, if the test result is negative, strep throat is still possible as the test is not entirely accurate. The provider may conduct a throat culture to confirm the diagnosis in such cases. The results of the culture may take up to two days to come back. If you experience a sore throat, you can try some home remedies or seek medical attention from an urgent care centre to alleviate your symptoms and receive appropriate treatment. 

You will receive a prescription for antibiotics and experience relief within a few days. Nonetheless, you must adhere to the clinician’s guidelines for consuming the medication and complete the entire course. Failure to do so may result in the remaining bacteria in your body mutating and developing a higher antibiotic resistance. 

Additionally, you can inquire with your healthcare provider about taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate throat discomfort and fever symptoms. 

Keep in mind that strep is highly contagious and can lead to severe health complications. 

Difference in treatment for strep throat 

Clinicians take a more serious approach to treating strep throat than less severe causes of sore throat. Once a strep test confirms the presence of the infection, healthcare providers typically prescribe oral antibiotics immediately. 

Penicillin or Amoxicillin are the commonly prescribed antibiotics for strep throat. However, an alternative antibiotic may be used if a patient is allergic to these options. 

It is essential to understand that antibiotic medications are ineffective against viral pharyngitis. Viruses and bacteria are distinct microorganisms, and antibiotics cannot combat viruses. In such cases, a healthcare provider may suggest antiviral medicines based on the specific virus causing the issue. 

Remedies to treat sore and strep throat 

A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics if you are diagnosed with strep throat. It is essential to acknowledge that antibiotics for sore throats without a confirmed strep diagnosis can result in drug resistance or unwarranted side effects.

While most cases of strep throat will resolve independently, there is a risk of developing rheumatic fever if left untreated. Therefore, I strongly advise against forgoing testing and treatment. It is worth mentioning that antibiotic treatment for strep typically lasts around 10 days, whereas the duration of therapy for a regular sore throat may vary. 

To alleviate the discomfort caused by a sore throat, whether it is due to cold or strep, you could try these remedies to soothe the pain: 

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water 

Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water, swish it around your mouth, and tilt your head back to gargle. Afterwards, ensure that you spit out the water instead of swallowing it. 

Consume warm beverages 

Consider drinking a cup of hot water with a mild tea or a teaspoon of honey. Avoiding acidic liquids such as orange juice is advisable, as they can exacerbate the pain. 

Over-the-counter medicine 

Consider utilising an available non-prescription solution. Certain non-prescription drugs can temporarily relieve ailments such as coughing or congestion. Additionally, throat sprays and lozenges may prove beneficial. It is important to note that throat lozenges should not be given to young children as they may pose a choking hazard. 

Consume ice cream 

Ice cream can be beneficial in some instances. Occasionally, the coldness of ice cream can provide soothing relief for throat discomfort. Therefore, if you are seeking a justification to indulge in ice cream, this could be a valid reason. Additionally, sucking on ice chips may also offer relief. 

Prevention 

Consuming a well-balanced diet, participating in regular physical exercise, and prioritizing sufficient and rejuvenating sleep can significantly boost the immune system, empowering it to fight against different infections effectively.

Regularly and thoroughly washing our hands can significantly reduce the transmission of viruses and infections. Additionally, it is essential to cover our coughs and sneezes to prevent droplets from spreading to others.  

Furthermore, refraining from using someone else’s utensils or glassware is also essential. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by consuming a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting sufficient quality sleep can also boost the immune system’s ability to combat infections. 

Suppose you or your child is experiencing a persistent sore throat that shows no improvement. In that case, contacting your child’s paediatrician or visiting the nearest urgent care clinic for medical assistance is advisable. 

Summary 

In conclusion, while various factors can cause sore throats, it is crucial to differentiate between common causes like allergies and more severe conditions like strep throat, which require medical attention. 

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