A sore throat is a common illness symptom that many people experience, but there are various different conditions that can cause a sore throat. One of the most common causes of a sore throat is strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. However, not all sore throats are caused by strep throat. Other illnesses including viral infections, allergies, or environmental irritants can also lead to a sore throat. Keep reading to learn more about common causes of sore throats and how to tell if your sore throat is caused by strep throat. For same-day sore throat treatment, walk into AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst. Our dedicated team of medical providers is available 7 days a week to provide patients near Lyndhurst, NJ with rapid sore throat treatment!
What's the Difference Between a Sore Throat and a Strep Throat
The primary difference between a sore throat and strep throat is their causes and severity. A sore throat is a general term for any irritation or pain in the throat that various factors, including viral infections, allergies, dry air, or smoking, can cause. Sore throats caused by viral infections or other irritants are usually very mild and improve without medical treatment within a few days.
Strep throat, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection. It tends to cause more severe symptoms, such as a sudden onset of a severe sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, red and swollen tonsils, and difficulty swallowing. Strep throat typically requires treatment with antibiotics to clear up. While both conditions involve throat pain, strep throat is usually more intense and has specific distinguishing features that set it apart from a regular sore throat.
How Sore Throats are Diagnosed
Diagnosing a sore throat can be difficult. Your medical provider will typically begin with an evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. If your medical provider thinks you could have strep throat, they generally will do the following:
- Physical Examination: Your medical provider will examine your throat for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or white patches on the tonsils.
- Rapid Strep Test: A rapid antigen test may be performed to test for bacteria. This test involves swabbing the back of the throat to collect a sample, which is then tested for Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
- Additional Tests: If the sore throat is suspected to be caused by a viral infection or if other underlying conditions are suspected, further tests, like a blood test may be necessary.
Walk Into AFC Lyndhurst for Same-Day Strep Throat Diagnosis & Treatment
While sore throats can generally be managed at home, it's important to seek urgent care if you suspect strep throat or if symptoms worsen over time. Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, our walk-in urgent care clinic provides strep throat diagnosis and treatment on a walk-in basis, 7 days a week! Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We maintain short wait times and have a lab on-site for rapid diagnostic testing. Walk-in today!
