Tonsillitis, a type of pharyngitis, affects most people at least once in life, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This condition causes inflammation of the tonsils, leading to throat pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. Children may also experience stomach pain and vomiting. About 70% of all cases are due to viral infections. The remaining 30% are caused by bacteria, such as group A Streptococcus (via Cleveland Clinic).
Strep throat, or bacterial tonsillitis, is a mild, but painful infection. In addition to throat pain, it may cause headaches, nausea, fever, and red spots on the roof of your mouth (via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The bacteria can spread from one person to another through sneezing or coughing. If your sore throat is caused by a virus, you'll experience nasal congestion, coughing, and hoarseness.
Bacterial tonsillitis is usually treated with penicillin or other antibiotics. If left unaddressed, it may become chronic or cause complications, such as abscesses, sinusitis, or scarlet fever. Viral tonsillitis, on the other hand, does not respond to antibiotics. Your doctor may recommend throat lozenges, OTC pain relievers, and plenty of rest, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms usually go away within 10 days or so. Stay on the safe side and see a doctor if your throat hurts for longer than two days.
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