Strep Throat Or Tonsillitis

You may be asking the question, strep throat or tonsillitis because the symptoms are almost identical in nature. Both of the infections are caused by bacteria, although tonsillitis can sometimes be caused by a virus. Tonsils are located at the back of the tongue on the sides of the throat. This is why the symptoms of both infections are so similar.

Strep throat or tonsillitis symptoms

Symptoms of strep throat or tonsillitis include...

• Sore red throat
• White patches in your throat or on your tonsils
• Large, red tonsils
• Swollen, sore glands
• Pain when you swallow
• Headache
• Fever
• Vomiting

Strep throat or tonsillitis test

Because the symptoms are so similar your doctor will need to perform a strep throat test to correctly diagnose a strep throat infection.

Your doctor will perform a rapid strep test if strep (streptococcal) bacteria is suspected as the cause of the infection. The results of this test are present in about 10 - 20 minutes. If the test comes up positive then no further testing is needed. If it comes up negative then a culture test will be performed to see what bacteria or virus is causing the infection.

When the rapid strep test comes up positive there are no other test done, and penicillin is usually prescribed for 10 days. If your child is allergic to penicillin then antibiotics will be prescribed.

If the tonsillitis is caused by a virus then there is no treatment. Your child's body will have to fight the infection on its own. If the infection becomes a problem then the tonsils will be removed.

Tips for getting over tonsillitis

If your child's tonsillitis is caused by a virus then they can ease the pain with these tips...

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Eating smooth, soft foods like soups, flavored gelatins and ice pops
• Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer in the infected child's room
• Plenty of rest

If something needs to be taken to ease the pain then give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never take aspirin because there is a risk in children getting Reye's syndrome.

When to call your doctor

If after using the tips above the symptoms get worse then you need to call your doctor.

Natural cure for strep throat

If your child is suffering from strep throat, and you would like to cure it without the use of penicillin or antibiotics then you can get more information on a home remedy for strep throat here.