Tonsil stones and strep throat are two conditions that occur due to problems in the tonsils. Tonsils are lymph nodes found in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They usually help to filter out bacteria and other germs.
The key difference between tonsil stones and strep throat is their cause. Tonsil stones are due to the formation of small bumps of calcified material that form in the nooks and crannies of the tonsils, while strep throat is due to a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are Tonsil Stones
3. What is Strep Throat
4. Similarities – Tonsil Stones and Strep Throat
5. Tonsil Stones vs Strep Throat in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Tonsil Stones vs Strep Throat
7. FAQ – Tonsil Stones and Strep Throat
What are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are also known as tonsilloliths. They are due to the formation of small bumps of hardened material in the tonsils. It leads to bad breath in teenagers. This condition can be caused by food debris, bacteria, or fungi. People experiencing tonsil stones may have symptoms such as bad breath, cough, earache, sore throat, and a bad taste in the mouth.
![What is the Difference Between Tonsil Stones and Strep Throat 1 Tonsil Stones](https://i1.wp.com/www.differencebetween.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tonsilloliths.jpg?resize=553%2C497&ssl=1)
Figure 01: Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones can be diagnosed through physical examinations and imaging scans. Furthermore, tonsil stones are treated by gargling with warm salt water, coughing vigorously to dislodge the stones, using a water pick to flush out the stones, using a cotton swab to push stones out, taking pain relievers, antibiotics, and surgery (tonsillectomy).
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is due to an infection that makes the throat feel sore and scratchy. It is caused by group A Streptococcus. The symptoms of strep throat include throat pain, painful swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck, small red spots at the back of the roof of the mouth, fever, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, and body aches.
![What is the Difference Between Tonsil Stones and Strep Throat 2 Strep Throat](https://i0.wp.com/www.differencebetween.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Strep-Throat.jpg?resize=464%2C548&ssl=1)
Figure 02: Strep Throat
Strep throat can be diagnosed through physical examinations, rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, and throat culture. Furthermore, strep throat can be treated by taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen and prescribed oral antibiotics.
Similarities Between Tonsil Stones and Strep Throat
- Tonsil stones and strep throat are two conditions caused by problems in the tonsils.
- Both conditions can be caused by bacteria.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical symptoms evaluation.
- They can be treated through specific antibiotics.
Difference Between Tonsil Stones and Strep Throat
Definition
- Tonsils stones are due to the build-up of the debris in the tonsils.
- Strep throat is due to a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils.
Causes
- Tonsils stones are caused by food debris, bacteria, and fungi.
- Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus.
Symptoms
- Symptoms of tonsils stones include bad breath, cough, earache, feeling something struck in the throat, sore throat, small white or yellow stones in the throat, and throat infections.
- Symptoms of strep throat include throat pain, painful swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, red spots at the back of the roof of the mouth, headache, nausea and vomiting, and body aches.
Diagnosis
- Tonsils stones can be diagnosed by physical symptoms evaluation and imaging scans.
- Strep throat can be diagnosed by physical symptoms evaluation, molecular (PCR) test, and throat culture.
Treatment
- Tonsils stones can be treated by home remedies, taking pain relievers, antibiotics and surgery.
- Strep throat can be taking pain relievers and antibiotics.
The following table summarizes the difference between tonsil stones and strep throat.
Summary – Tonsil Stones vs Strep Throat
Tonsils are two round, fleshy masses in the back of the throat that filter out bacteria and other gems from the body. Tonsil stones and strep throat are two common conditions caused by problems in the tonsils. Tonsil stones due to the formation of hard, small lumps in nooks on the tonsils, while strep throat is due to a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils. This is the main difference between tonsil stones and strep throat.
FAQ: Tonsil Stones and Strep Throat
1. Why do people get tonsil stones?
- Tonsil stones are formed when food debris, secretions, bacteria and fungi harden in the tonsil crypts. Some people may have larger crevices in their tonsils. Or they may eat foods that don’t easily dissolve in the mouth, which lead to tonsil stones formation.
2. Will tonsil stones go away?
- Tonsil stones normally fall out on their own without treatment. People can also try to help dislodge the stones by brushing their teeth regularly and gargling with warm salt water. If this does not work, they can take pain relievers or antibiotics or opt for surgery.
3. What is the main cause of strep throat?
- Strep throat is an infection caused by group A streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Strep throat leads to pain and inflammation in the throat.
4. What are four symptoms of strep throat?
- The main symptoms of strep throat include throat pain that normally comes on quickly, painful swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck, small red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth, fever, headache, and rash.
5. What is the best treatment for strep throat?
- The doctor will most likely ask people to take penicillin or amoxicillin for ten days, even though they might feel much better after a few days.
Reference:
1. Gotter, Ana. “Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention, Removal.” Healthline, Healthline Media.
2. “Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Tonsilloliths 20091119 prior to tonsillectomy” By Bplikerd – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Pos strep” By James Heilman, MD – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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