How To Tell the Difference Between Viral Tonsillitis and Strep Throat

Posted on by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

Approximately 2% of ambulatory patient visits in the United States are because of a sore throat. When you feel a sore throat developing, you probably want to get rid of it as fast as possible. Knowing what’s causing the soreness is the first step towards finding relief. Let’s take a look at two common causes, viral tonsillitis and strep throat, and how you can identify them.

Identifying Viral Tonsillitis

ENT examining a man's throat.

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, the two small lumps of soft tissue at the back of your throat. While it is most common in children and adolescents, you can get tonsillitis at any age. The onset of tonsillitis symptoms is usually sudden and may include:

  • Pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Red, swollen tonsils
  • White spots on the tonsils
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever

A sore throat is usually the first symptom of tonsillitis. If you or your child develops a sudden sore throat, watch for other symptoms. Children may also experience stomachaches or vomiting and might not have much of an appetite.

Identifying Strep Throat

Strep throat is a form of tonsillitis caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium. While strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, it can affect people of any age. It often begins with a sudden and severe sore throat and is highly contagious, spreading easily through close contact. In addition to a sore throat, other common symptoms include:

  • A quickly developing fever, with the highest temperature on the second day of infection
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
  • Red, sore and swollen tonsils
  • White patches or streaks on your throat and tonsils
  • Small red spots on the roof of your mouth

The main difference between strep throat and viral tonsillitis is the severity of symptoms. Strep throat usually presents with greater pain that prevents comfortable eating or swallowing.  

Diagnosing Viral Tonsillitis and Strep Throat

To diagnose your tonsillitis, your ENT specialist will perform a physical exam and discuss your symptoms. After they confirm tonsillitis, they may order a bacterial culture test to identify strep throat.

Managing Viral Tonsillitis and Strep Throat Symptoms

Viral tonsillitis usually goes away on its own, but strep throat requires antibiotics. While you wait for the infection to clear, try a few of these tips to ease throat pain:

  • Use throat lozenges
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Drink hot tea with lemon and honey
  • Grab some Sweet Snow ice cream

Because strep throat is so contagious, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If you notice viral or bacterial tonsillitis symptoms, contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to schedule your throat exam.