IPN 2022 November

Sore Throat vs Strep Throat

Sore throat (also called pharyngitis) is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. An estimated 200 to 300 different strains of virus cause colds and sore throat.

In up to 90% of cases, sore throat is caused by viruses linked to the common cold or flu. The other 10% of cases result from bacterial infections or some other medical condition. The bacteria that most commonly cause sore throat are streptococci. Infection with streptococcal bacteria is commonly called strep throat.

Finding relief is a top priority for anyone experiencing the pain and discomfort often associated with a sore throat, or pharyngitis.

Patients complaining of a sore throat may present with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing accompanied by pain, tenderness, irritation, or swelling in the throat. In addition, depending on the cause, patients may present with fever, headache, white patches in the throat or tonsils, red or swollen tonsils, and a general feeling of malaise.

Although a host of conditions and factors can cause a sore throat, the majority of cases are caused by cold and flu viruses. Sore throats are typically the first symptom noted at the onset of a cold, followed by nasal symptoms. Sore throats caused by viruses usually resolve on their own within a few days.

Strep throat is the most common cause of bacterial infections of the throat.

The following are some of the most common sore throat causes:

• Strep throat: The bacteria group A Streptococcus is the most common cause of strep throat.

• Sore throat (viral pharyngitis): Viruses are the most common cause of sore throat, including rhinoviruses or a respiratory syncytial virus. These viruses can cause other symptoms, such as:

o a cold

o earacheo bronchitiso sinus infectionSome of the signs of strep throat will be visible. They may include

• white patches on the tonsils or throat,

• dark red splotches or spots on the roof of the mouth, and

• a skin rash.

Those white spots are pus pockets. In addition, some patients may exhibit swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck and some with fever above about 101-102 F. The signs and symptoms are the same for both children and adults.

Although these signs may indicate strep, a visit to their GP is necessary to make a full determination. A full diagnosed is impossible by visual signs alone.

Adults are less likely to have this disease than children. For schoolage children, their odds of a sore throat being strep are about 20% to 30%. For adults, the odds are more like 5% to 15%.

Although the majority of sore throats resolve without treatment, various OTC products—including sugarfree formulations—can

provide symptomatic relief. In general, the selected treatment depends on the cause of the sore throat.

These products may contain local anaesthetics, such as benzydamine, which provides temporary relief of sore throat pain. OTC products are formulated as lozenges and throat sprays and may be used every 2 to 4 hours as needed. Some products also contain local antiseptics (eg, cetylpyridinium chloride or hexylresorcinol) and/ or camphor or menthol.

Difflam is an anti-inflammatory and painkilling medicine, which acts fast and is most effective. It reduces pain and discomfort associated with sore throat or mouth conditions such as ulcers and sore throat.

Swollen lymph nodes under the chin and the front of the neck could indicate any kind of infection. They could accompany an ear infection or sinus infection, for example.