1. A Sore Throat or Strep Throat?
A lot of people tend to use sore
throat and strep throat as if they are
the same thing. In reality, there are a
lot of differences between these
particular conditions. It is important
that you understand what the
differences are to help you have a
better understanding of what you may be dealing with and when
you should consult a doctor.
Strep throat is just one of the potential causes of a throat
infection or a sore throat in general. Strep throat is most often
found in children and teenagers, but it can affect anyone no
matter how old you are.
Causes of Sore Throat
There are a lot of causes of a sore throat. Some of the most
common causes include an infection of the throat itself, as well as
the surrounding structures. Anytime there is an inflammation or
infection within the tonsils, pharynx and esophagus you are prone
to a sore throat.
Symptoms of a Sore Throat
If you have a sore throat along with a bacterial infection, it is
very contagious and you may end up with a lot of different
symptoms because of the inflammation of the throat and all of
the structures that are nearby. Symptoms of a strep throat will
Southwestern Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates
1620 Hospital Drive Santa Fe, NM 87505
Call: (505) 629-0612

2. typically begin about one to four days after you have come in
contact with the infection.
The typical warning signs of strep throat include:
• Fever
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes, which are located on either
side of your neck
• White patches on your throat or tonsils
Some of the other signs of a strep throat that are more non-
specific to the
condition include:
• Sore throat that comes on suddenly
• Headache
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and vomiting accompanied by abdominal pain
• Red and swollen palate
• Rash
The rash associated with strep throat is normally caused due to
all of the toxins that the bacteria released. It is not normally from
the infection being spread onto the skin. This particular rash has
also been referred to as scarlet fever, which occurs in about ten
percent of children who are dealing with an infection from strep
throat. Normally the rash will begin around the neck and face
region and end up spreading throughout the rest of their body.
The rash looks almost like a sandpaper consistency and it is
Southwestern Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates
1620 Hospital Drive Santa Fe, NM 87505
Call: (505) 629-0612

3. raised off of the skin. You may notice that the rash will begin
about 12 hours after the fever has been detected and it could end
up lasting for several days before clearing up.
Some of the other things that you need to be aware of when
dealing with tonsillopharyngitis compared to a viral infection
include:
• Conjunctivitis
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Feeling of weakness
• Aches and pains in the muscles and joints
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Oral ulcers
• Hoarseness
When Is It Time to Start Being Concerned About a Strep Throat?
As a parent, you need to begin to worry if the sore throat does
not begin to improve after a small drink of water when waking up
from a deep sleep. However, it is no more dangerous than a sore
throat that does not have a rash to go along with it.
If your child is having trouble breathing or swallowing, you need
to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
For More Information, Call Us Today at (505) 629-0612 or Visit
Our Website at http://ear-nose-throat-santa-fe-nm.com.
Southwestern Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates
1620 Hospital Drive Santa Fe, NM 87505
Call: (505) 629-0612