What is the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis?I am from America, but this summer I went on a missions trip to Wales and got very sick. I am normally diagnosed with strep throat, however, in Wales the 2 doctors i saw had no idea what strep throat was. They did not test me for it, but diagnosed me as having tonsillitis. What is the difference between the two?
Titchaba
Strep is an infection that can lead to more serious illness. Tonsilitis is an inflamation of the tonsils which can be caused by infection. Antibiotic treatment is called for in most cases. Get a strep test.
Fu
they know what strep throat is..its the same there as here..its a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus. same thing strain that causes MRSA. and tonsillitis is an inflammation of your tonsillitis, caused by either bacteria or viral infections. And..tonsillitis may be caused by strep throat...
scatterbrainedgenius
Here is a full explanation including the differences of both ailments.
http://health.yahoo.com/oralcare-overview/tonsillitis-topic-overview/healthwise--ut1027.html
veelalynne
Tonsillitis is an umbrella term for any inflammation of the tonsils. It could be cause by many things. But strep throat means you were cultured and tested positive for strep bacteria. It's a more precise diagnosis.
Phil A
Well maybe the yanks don't call it strep throat, the correct name is Streptococcal Pharyngitis, in which bacteria inflames the throat and sometimes the tonsils too.
It is the same strep bacteria which usually causes tonsillitis, which is just inflamation of the tonsils.
On the other hand Viral Tonsillitis is caused by numerous types of virus such as the Epstein Barr Virus which can also cause Infectious Mononucleosis.
daniel
Most often, tonsillitis is caused by a virus. Less often, it is caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. In rare cases, a fungus or a parasite can cause it.
Tonsillitis is spread through the air in droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. You may then become infected after breathing in these droplets or getting them on your skin or on objects that come in contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different types of strep bacteria.Although some people are quick to think that any painful sore throat is strep, sore throats are usually caused by a viral infection and not strep bacteria. A sore throat caused by a virus can be just as painful as strep throat. But if you have cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny or stuffy nose, you probably do not have strep throat.
If a Dr. doesn't know the diff. then you should question their practice as both are common place. I'm not from Wales, but I'm pretty sure a Physician should be learned in basic human illnesses such as these 2.
playmatejaiy
Strep throat is a infection of the throat...a bacterial infection Group A Strep. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. So they are completely different. Strep throat would require antibiotics and incubation periods, tonsillitis though painful does not require medical intervention, it is more of a symptom than a diagnosis. If you have tonsillitis you normally have a cold. Or what could lead to strep throat. Hope this helps.
The Witch
Well, tonsillitis and strep are basically the same, strep throat is a specific sore throat where as tonsillitis is non specific which means it can be anything from staph aureas to probably strep. With a strep infection however, it's prone to spreading to different areas of the body- rheumatic fever for instance. Tonsillitis stays in the throat. I highly suggest you MAKE them do a rapid strep test or blood agar plate incubation (have them look for Beta hemolysis on a blood plate) before they insist on a tonsillectomy. It could easily be cured with antibiotics... I'm sorry, but if an American CLT with a two year degree can outsmart an 8 year trained Wales Doctor there is something wrong.
alianna_hodiya
tonsillitis (red and swollen tonsils) is a symptom of a throat infection (viral and bacterial infections). strep is a bacterial infection.
go to another dr. in the USA.
Give your answer to this question below! Tonsillitis explained | Better Health Channel
Links to information about tonsillitis , including tonsillectomy.
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