What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. Sore throat is a term for any situation where the throat feels scratchy, tender, and possibly painful. Strep throat is a type of sore throat. Sore throat may be caused by bacteria or viruses, while strep throat is only caused by bacteria. The term strep throat is more commonly used in the USA and Canada, compared to other English speaking countries. Strep throat may also be referred to as Streptococcal pharyngitis or streptococcal sore throat.

Streptococcal bacteria are extremely contagious and can spread through airborne droplets when a sick person sneezes or coughs. People may also become infected by touching surfaces which an infected person had previously touched, such as a doorknob, kitchen utensils and bathroom objects. Most sore throats are not usually serious and the infected person generally improves within three to seven days without treatment. They are more common among children and adolescents. This is because younger people's bodies have not been exposed to as many viruses and bacteria as older people's - they have not built up immunity to many of them. It is not uncommon for people of any age to have a couple of bouts of sore throat in a one-year period.

What are the causes of sore throat?
The following conditions generally include a sore throat. These conditions are usually caused by an infection:

Flu (influenza)
The common cold
Glandular fever
Sore throat is usually caused by inflammation (swelling) in the back of the throat (oropharynx) and tonsils (laryngeal lymphoid nodules).

Cancer (extremely rare)
Throat surgery (Licorice gargle helps sore throat symptoms after surgery)
Smoking
Alcohol consumption (rare)
Hay fever
Acid reflux (gastro-esophageal reflux)
Screaming for a long time (e.g. fans during a sporting event)

What are the signs and symptoms of sore throat?
Inflamed tonsils
Tender and swollen neck glands
Pain in the back of the throat
Tenderness in the back of the throat
Pain or discomfort when swallowing
Fever (definitely an infection)
Bodily aches (probably an infection)
Headache (probably an infection)
Tiredness (probably an infection, possibly other reasons)

What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat?
Strep throat is an infection, while sore throat may or may not be. The signs and symptoms below refer just to strep throat:
Pain in the throat.
Difficulty swallowing.
Tonsils are painful and/or swollen. Sometimes with white patches, and/or streaks of pus.
Very small red sports may appear on the soft part of the palate (roof of the mouth).
Nodes (lymph glands) of the neck are swollen and tender.
Fever.
Rash.
Stomachache. Children may have nausea and vomiting.

Although these symptoms are typical of strep throat, they could also be caused by a virus, tonsillitis or some other illness. However, a doctor should be consulted if the symptoms and signs are present - especially a fever. Conversely, people with strep throat may sometimes have no signs or symptoms - these people might not feel ill, but can pass the infection onto other people.
 

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