What is the difference between a sore throat and tonsillitis? An expert explains how to identify them.

Sore throat is common in the rainy season due to cold and flu, but sometimes what we feel is a normal sore throat can be inflammation of tonsils. Understand the difference between sore throat and tonsils and how to identify them?

Sore Throat vs Tonsils: Be it the rainy season or the effect of cold and flu, sore throat is a common occurrence. But sometimes what we feel is a normal sore throat can actually be inflammation of the tonsils. Often people consider both conditions to be the same and start taking home remedies or medicines without understanding. Instead of getting any benefit from this, the condition can worsen. Therefore, it is important that we understand the difference between sore throat and tonsils and treat accordingly.

 

Sore throat is usually caused by viral infection, eating or drinking cold things or change of weather. In this, there is a slight burning sensation, dryness or stinging sensation in the throat. Sometimes it can also happen due to talking or shouting too much. There is no fever in sore throat and relief is obtained in 2 to 3 days by home remedies like gargling with salt water, drinking hot drinks or eating light food.

On the other hand , tonsillitis is an infection that occurs due to inflammation of tonsils (glands present on both sides of the throat) caused by virus or bacteria. It can cause severe pain in the throat along with fever, difficulty in swallowing, white or yellow spots on the tonsils, bad breath and sometimes ear pain. Tonsils are much more painful than a normal sore throat and should not be treated without consulting a doctor.

How to understand the difference?

Former Dr. Krishna Rajbhar of ENT department at Safdarjung Hospital has told about this

1) The pain in sore throat is mild but the pain in tonsils is severe and persistent.

2) Sore throat usually does not cause fever but tonsils cause fever.

3) In case of sore throat, there is sometimes difficulty in swallowing food whereas in tonsils, there is more pain.

4) In sore throat, there is no whiteness or pus on tonsils, whereas in tonsils, pus also gets accumulated in the throat.

5) Sore throat can be relieved with home remedies, whereas in case of tonsils, medicine and doctor's advice are necessary.

Learn to recognize both conditions

If there is mild pain and irritation in the throat, try some home remedies, but if the symptoms are severe or persist, then definitely consult an ENT doctor. Wrong treatment can aggravate the disease and negligence in the case of tonsils can sometimes lead to surgery. Remember, in matters of health, correct advice and examination is necessary instead of becoming a doctor yourself. Even if the throat pain seems minor or if the symptoms do not go away, it is wise to seek medical treatment in time.