The terms sore throat , strep throat and tonsillitis are often used interchangeably. However they do not mean the same thing.

Tonsillitis : This refers to inflammation of the tonsils.

Strep throat : It is an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria known as streptococcus. If your child has this infection, the tonsils usually gets  inflamed and the inflammation may affect the surrounding throat as well.

Sore throat : It is pain  in the throat typically caused by inflammation due to a cold or other viruses.

What is a sore throat ?

Sore throat in infants and children is usually caused by a viral infection. No medication is required if it is caused by a virus. The child should get better in about 7 to 10 days.

Children who have a sore throat usually have a cold at the same time. They may also have mild fever.

One particular virus known as coxsackie may cause a higher fever and make it more difficult for the child to swallow. He may also have blisters in the throat , on the hand and feet. This is also known as hand  foot and mouth disease.

Infectious mononucleosis also known as mono can cause sore throat and is  often marked with tonsillitis.

What is strep throat ?

Strep throat is cause by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. Symptoms of strep throat depends on  the child’s age. It ranges from fever, to bloody nasal discharge  and painful throat. It is important to distinguish between step throat and viral sore throat. This is because step throat is  treated with antibiotics.