We’ve all been there! Waking up with a sore, scratchy throat and instantly wondering what’s going on. Is it just a cold? Could it be strep? Or maybe tonsillitis?
Symptoms such as sore throat can overlap, making it tricky to figure out exactly what you’re dealing with. But don’t let the confusion take over; let’s make it simple.
Strep throat, tonsillitis, and the common cold all cause sore throats, but some key differences can help you identify which one you might have.
Let’s dive into what sets these conditions apart so you know the right steps to take to get better fast!
Confused Whether Your Sore Throat Is Due To Strep, Tonsillitis, or Cold?
If your throat’s acting up and you’re unsure if it’s strep, tonsillitis, or just a cold, don’t stress! Here’s how to tell what’s going on!
- Strep Throat: If your sore throat is intense, hits suddenly, and comes with a fever but no cough or runny nose, it could be strep. Your doctor may look for white patches on your tonsils and throat.
- Tonsillitis: Tonsils feeling swollen and sore? You might have tonsillitis, which can be caused by viruses or bacteria. You could also have a fever and trouble swallowing.
- Common Cold: If you’ve got a sore throat plus a stuffy nose, cough, or sneezing, it’s likely just a cold. Usually, this clears up on its own.
Note that sore throat can be due to many other reasons. Keep reading further to know some other common causes!
Difference Between The Symptoms Of Strep Throat, Tonsillitis, or Cold?
| Strep Throat | Tonsillitis | Common Cold |
| Fever (usually over 38.3°C)Severe & sudden sore throat Red and swollen tonsils Pain when swallowingTiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth | FeverEnlarged, red tonsilsLess intense sore throat than Strep Difficulty swallowingBad breath | Mild fever or noneMild to moderate sore throatRunny or stuffy noseFatigueWatery eyesCough |
In short, strep throat tends to have more severe symptoms without cold-like signs (no cough, sneezing), while a cold typically involves milder throat discomfort alongside nasal congestion and cough.
On the other hand, tonsillitis can vary, depending on whether it’s viral or bacterial, and is more focused on tonsil inflammation.
How Does Sore Throat Occur In Strep Throat, Tonsillitis, or Cold?
If you have a strep throat infection, the bacteria (Group A Streptococcus) targets your throat and tonsils, causing swelling, redness, and throat pain.
In tonsillitis, a virus or bacteria can cause inflammation in the tonsils as the body tries to fight off the infection. This leads to a sore throat that can make swallowing uncomfortable.
With a common cold, the soreness is usually milder because of postnasal drip, where mucus irritates the back of your throat. You’ll often notice this alongside symptoms like a runny nose or cough.
If you’re still confused or have only a sore throat without any symptoms, you can visit a nearby urgent care clinic for a proper diagnosis.
Some Other Possible Reasons You May Have A Sore Throat
Sometimes, sore throats are also caused by other infections or allergies. Here are some other possible causes of sore throats.
- Seasonal allergies
- Dry air
- Covid-19
- Influenza
- Mononucleosis
- Chickenpox
- Measles and mumps
These are just a few other possible reasons behind a sore throat, so if your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor to find the exact cause and get the right treatment!
When Should You See A Doctor For Sore Throat?
In most cases, sore throat due to cold or flu can get better within a few days with some home remedies. However, if you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may need to see a doctor nearby:
- Severe and persistent throat pain that does not improve
- You have fever (101 F or higher)
- You have difficulty sleeping, swallowing, or opening your mouth
- You feel a lump in your neck
- Earache along with sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting or rash
You can also contact a nearby urgent clinic, or if you live in Indiana or Illinois, visit our nearest branch to your location and leave the rest to us!
Do You Need Antibiotics For Strep Throat?
Yes, antibiotics are needed for strep throat because it’s caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus, which won’t go away on its own.
Antibiotics help clear the infection, ease symptoms faster, and stop it from spreading to others or causing complications.
Your doctor will usually perform a rapid strep test by swabbing your throat. If the test comes back positive (confirming strep throat), they’ll prescribe antibiotics.
These meds not only help you feel better sooner but also prevent the bacteria from causing serious issues like a throat abscess or kidney problems.
Remember, it’s important to complete the course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better, to fully knock out the infection!
What To Do If You Have Sore Throat Due To Cold?
If it’s a common cold caused by a virus, you do not need any antibiotic but simple home remedies and some over-the-counter medications would help relieve your symptoms.
The first step is to keep your throat moist! “Ever notice your throat irritation getting worse in the mornings? It’s because your throat gets dry overnight,” says Dr. Sheikh, MD, at Family Urgent Care.
You can take the following steps right now to soothe your throat pain:
- Gargle with warm salt water almost three times a day
- You can also take lozenges or popsicles to keep your throat moist
- If you have a fever, you can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen (with doctor’s advice)
- To reduce nasal secretions, you can also use decongestant nasal sprays.
If your little one’s throat is irritated from a cold, the tips above can help soothe their discomfort. However, it’s always a good idea to check with a doctor to ensure a quicker and smoother recovery!
Takeaway
All in all, sore throats are usually the first sign of a bacterial or viral infection, allergies, or other irritants.
If it’s caused by a cold, it’s nothing serious. However, a bacterial infection needs a proper course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria completely.
If your sore throat lingers or worsens, don’t hesitate to see a doctor to determine the cause and get the right treatment. A little extra care can go a long way in helping you feel better fast!
If you live in Indiana or Illinois, you can also book a same-day appointment and get treated right away.