Difference between sore throat and tonsillitis

Autumn is often associated with colds and sore throats. That is why the question becomes more and more urgent: "What is the difference between tonsillitis and sore throat?" First, let's define both of these concepts.

Definition

Tonsillitis - this is an inflammatory process that is localized in one or more lymphoid formations of the pharyngeal ring (most often in the tonsils). Tonsillitis can be acute or chronic. Acute tonsillitis is called angina and is an infectious disease localized mainly in the pharyngeal tonsils. As a result of this disease, purulent (for an acute process) and caseous (for a chronic process) plugs are formed in the gaps of the tonsils. Angina or acute tonsillitis is a contagious disease, and therefore requires the isolation of the patient.

Comparison

Based on the above, we found out that acute tonsillitis and tonsillitis are one and the same. As for chronic tonsillitis, it is a sluggish process in the tonsils, which begins as a result of often transferred or untreated sore throats. During a decrease in immunity, during a period of an increase in incidence and in contact with a sick person, such a process can be exacerbated. Chronic tonsillitis under certain conditions can be complicated by angina, and recurrent tonsillitis lead to chronic tonsillitis.

Angina is a term known since ancient times, it denotes an acute inflammatory process in the area of ​​tonsil lacunae. There are a great many factors for the development of angina, which is why it is customary to divide them into primary, secondary and specific. The most common causative agent of sore throat is streptococcus, less often viral or mycoplasma sore throat. The incubation period for acute tonsillitis is 3-4 days, the transmission route is airborne. The source of infection with angina most often becomes a sick person, but there is a risk of infection through contact with foods seeded with staphylococcus: meat, milk, salad.

Symptoms of chronic and acute tonsillitis also differ. Angina is characterized by:

  • A sharp rise in temperature up to 38-39 C;
  • Sharp sore throat on swallowing;
  • The throat is bright scarlet in color (in the first days of the disease);
  • White plaque on the tonsils (sometimes there may be pustules or areas of pus);
  • Enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes;
  • Malaise, weakness.
  • Nasal congestion is extremely rare in angina.

Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by:

  • A slight increase in temperature (no more than 38C);
  • Sore throat when swallowing;
  • White deposits on tonsils and caseous plugs;
  • Redness and swelling of the pharynx;
  • Enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes.

Conclusions TheDifference.ru

  1. Chronic tonsillitis is a sluggish inflammatory process in the tonsils, it can periodically subside and resume. Acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis) is an acute infectious disease that begins acutely with a rise in temperature and a sharp sore throat.
  2. In chronic tonsillitis, caseous plugs form in the tonsils, in acute tonsillitis (sore throat) - purulent.
  3. Nasal congestion is common in chronic tonsillitis, and extremely rare in angina.
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