Does your throat hurt when you try to swallow? Are you wondering whether you need to see a doctor or if it will get better without taking antibiotics? While there could be many potential causes for your aching throat, some of the most common causes include sore throat and strep throat. Although both these conditions have similar symptoms, it is important to know the difference to seek treatment accordingly.
What Causes Strep Throat and Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)?
Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection caused by bacteria known as Group A Streptococcus. This is a common throat infection and is easy to treat with the help of antibiotics. However, an untreated strep throat infection can lead to serious complications. Besides, it spreads very easily – usually through contact with an infected person’s nasal secretions or saliva. Although strep throat can occur in adults, it is more common in children ages 5-15.Bacteria always cause a strep throat infection. On the other hand, a sore throat is caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. Sore throat is scientifically known as pharyngitis, and almost 90% of throat infections are caused due to a viral infection. A few other causes of sore throat may include pollution, smoking, allergies, and dry air or irritants in the air.
Sore Throat vs Strep Throat: Symptom Comparison
It is crucial to differentiate between a sore throat and strep throat symptoms to get the right treatment.
Symptoms of Sore throat or viral pharyngitis:
- Cough
- Hoarse voice
- Runny nose
- Symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis
- Sneezing
- Mild headaches
- Fever
- Mild body aches
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White spots on the tonsils
Symptoms of strep throat include:
- Throat pain when swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Sudden sore throat
- Sudden fever more than 101°F (38°C)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swollen neck lymph nodes and tonsils
Treatments
Since strep throat is a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be needed to treat it. Most patients with
strep throat experience a relief in symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of antibiotics being administered. While antibiotics can improve the symptoms quickly, strep throat can lead to serious chronic infections in the kidneys, joints, or heart if left untreated.In case of viral infections like sore throat and tonsillitis, antibiotics won’t work. Therefore, to treat sore throat symptoms, you should:
- Get adequate rest
- To prevent dehydration, drink lots of fluids and water
- Warm water or salt water gargles to comfort the throat
- Suck on throat lozenges
- Over the counter pain-relieving medicines, e.g., ibuprofen
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your physician at the earliest:
- A fever higher than 101.5°F (37°C), which persists for over 2 days
- Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- A streak of pus or white patches at the back of the throat
Are you suffering from symptoms of strep or sore throat?
Get in touch with our team at MI Express Urgent Care for the best guidance and treatment course for all cases of sore throat and strep throat infections.
