Strep throat symtoms

When the throat gets inflamed and irritated, causing a sudden and severe sore throat, you may have strep throat. Or maybe not, as many people are confused with strep throat and sore throat. In fact, these terms are used interchangeably. If you understand the difference between these two, then you will have a better idea when would be the best time for you to seek medical help.

Although the symptoms of strep throat are somewhat similar to a sore throat, they have different causes. A strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection (streptococcal bacteria) in the tonsils and throat whereas a sore throat is only caused by a viral infection.

Even if you have sore throat, it can have the same level of pain as a strep throat. However, if you have the symptoms of cold such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, or coughing, what you have is just sore throat and not strep throat.

The symptoms of strep throat that are common in adults as well as children include the following:

• Swollen tonsillitis (also occurs in sore throats)
• Dark red spots appearing at the back roof of your mouth (near the throat) or a bright red throat
• Yellow or white coating or spots on the tonsils and throat
• Swollen lymph nodes located in the neck
• Over 101 F of fever (lower fever only indicates viral infection – sore throat)
• Difficulty or pain in swallowing
• Sudden and severe sore throat without sneezing, coughing, or other cold symptoms

In some strep infection cases, a skin rash will develop starting from the neck and chest, eventually covering the entire body. This rash feels like sandpaper – a condition called scarlet fever. If this is treated immediately with antibiotics, you will usually have a quick recovery – if left untreated, it can be dangerous. Call your doctor today if you are experiencing the symptoms of strep throat together with scarlet fever.