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Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat

A sore throat is one of the most common conditions seen by the primary care physician. It is a painful inflammation of the tonsils or surrounding areas. In most cases, children with a sore throat have mild symptoms that require little to no treatment.

Strep throat, on the other hand, is a serious illness and should be treated with antibiotics. The presence of a cough and nasal congestion decreases the likelihood of strep throat.

A thorough examination by your child's pediatrician is helpful is determining the necessary course of action. A detailed patient or family history of recent strep throat, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever or penicillin allergy should be given to your child's pediatrician. The throat culture remains the gold standard for identification of strep throat.

When a diagnosis of strep throat is made, oral treatment must be initiated with penicillin for a full ten days. Bed rest is usually not necessary. After 24 hours of antibiotic treatment, children are no longer contagious and can usually return to school or daycare.

Signs and symptoms of a sore throat: Pain in throat, Fever (variable), Cough

Signs and symptoms of strep throat: Pain in throat, Fever, Positive throat culture