Strep Throat or Just a Sore Throat? Here’s How To Tell the Difference

When you or your kid wakes up with a scratchy throat, it can be easy to hit the panic button: Alert! Alert! Strep throat in the house!

But is it, really? How do you know if it’s strep throat or a sore throat (pharyngitis) from something like a cold or allergies?

Urgent care physician Allan Capin, MD, shares what to look for and what to do.

Sore throat vs. strep throat: Symptoms

Both sore throats and strep can leave your throat feeling, irritated, clogged and raw. But looking at other symptoms can offer clues as to why your throat is on fire.

Here’s a quick look at some common symptoms and which condition they point to:

Sore throat symptoms

Typically, sore throats are caused by allergies or viruses like cold or flu bugs. They can often come with other upper respiratory symptoms and other issues, including:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Red or watery eyes
• Mild body aches

Viral sore throats usually develop gradually and go away on their own in five to seven days. If allergies leave your throat scratchy, some allergy home remedies and medications like antihistamines may provide relief.

Strep throat symptoms

Strep throat is caused by bacteria — specifically group A Streptococcus

An irritated throat is, of course, the hallmark of strep. But unlike a sore throat from a virus, which can build and get worse over time, strep tends to come on suddenly (and very painfully).

If you have strep throat, it will likely hurt most when you try to swallow. And strep usually comes with a different set of symptoms from a typical sore throat. Signs of strep may include:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Belly pain, especially in children

“If you develop a sudden sore throat and aren't coughing or sneezing, there’s a good chance it’s strep,” Dr. Capin confirms.

To get a closer look, you can use a flashlight and a mirror to look inside your throat. If your tonsils are red and swollen, that’s a good sign of strep. You may also notice white spots on your tonsils.

But don’t assume your home inspection is 100% accurate.

“It can be hard to know where to look and what you’re looking for on your own,” Dr. Capin acknowledges. “If you see bright red tonsils and white spots, that's a strong indication of strep. If you don’t, you may not have strep — or you may not have gotten a good enough look.”

Treating sore throats and strep

If you suspect you’re dealing with strep throat, a trip to a healthcare provider is in order. While strep infections may clear up on their own, untreated cases can lead to complications like rheumatic fever — a rare but serious condition that can damage your heart.

“If there is any concern of strep, I recommend getting tested,” Dr. Capin advises.

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and swab your throat to test for strep. If you test positive, you’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics for about 10 days. Take all the medication as indicated, even if you feel better before you finish the full course.

If strep is ruled out, your provider will likely recommend some home remedies and medications to relieve your sore throat and other symptoms. That might include:

• Getting lots of rest
• Gargling with warm salt water
• Drinking warm liquids and plenty of water
• Running a humidifier
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®)

Bottom line

If you’re feeling under the weather and wondering whether your sore throat is strep, pay attention to your symptoms. And don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. A quick test can give you peace of mind and help you get the right treatment.