Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Tonsillitis

We are all familiar with a sore throat, but it is not easy to know if it is because of a virus or bacteria. The terms viral and bacterial tonsillitis are many times used interchangeably, as the common symptoms for both are very similar. But this is not accurate as they are different in many ways. Through this article, you will learn to differentiate between viral and bacterial tonsillitis along with its causes.

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection of your tonsils become infected. Tonsils are the two small lumps of soft tissue, one on each side at the back of your throat. Tonsillitis is not contagious in itself, but the microorganisms which cause this infection are.

Viruses and bacteria are the most common microorganisms resulting in tonsils inflammation. And so, it is significant to learn about these pathogens, which are causing tonsils to slow down their spread.

Aslo Read: Difference Between Pandemic and Epidemic

Causes of Tonsillitis

Viral Tonsillitis

Viral is the most common cause of tonsillitis. Almost 90% of tonsillitis cases are because of the viruses which cause the common cold.

This type of virus is not the only one that can lead to inflammation of the tonsils, and there are various other types as well. Some of them are as below:

• Adenovirus
• Enterovirus
• Coronavirus
• Measles virus
• Hepatitis A
• Epstein- Barr virus
• HIV

Viral tonsillitis which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is more common among young adults and teens. 

Bacterial Tonsillitis

Bacteria is another cause of tonsillitis. About 15-30% of tonsillitis is caused due bacteria. And the most common bacteria which causes tonsillitis is Group A Streptococcus. Other bacteria that can cause tonsillitis are:

• Chlamydia pneumonia
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Staphylococcus aureus

Also Read: Difference Between Active and Passive Immunity

How to Differentiate Between Viral and Bacterial Tonsillitis?

Now let’s see the ways by which you can differentiate between viral and bacterial tonsillitis.

Viral Tonsillitis Symptoms

1. Runny Nose

As a first symptom, a person with tonsillitis develops a runny or stuffy nose. A person can also develop a fever with a temperature of around 100.4 F or 38° C. In addition to this, there can be a feeling of unwellness too. 

2. Cough

There can be various other reasons for having a cough, but it is associated more with a viral illness. It is more feasible to have a cough or husky voice because of laryngitis, but this can also be due to viral tonsillitis.

3. Symptoms of Tonsillitis

The symptoms of viral tonsillitis tend to heal faster than bacterial tonsillitis. Viral tonsillitis symptoms improve within 3 to 4 days. But this is not an ensured symptom to identify viral tonsillitis as it can last up to 2 weeks.

4. Constant Fatigue

You can also look for constant fatigue, as a person who suffers from viral tonsillitis due to EBV  feels continuous fatigue.

This can last for multiple weeks, and other symptoms include sore throat, headache, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.

5. Rash On The Palate

Some people with viral tonsillitis can develop a pinpoint red, speckled rash on the roof of their mouth too. And there can also be a grey covering over your tonsils.

So look out for the above symptoms too, to confirm whether you have normal or viral tonsillitis.

Also Read: Difference Between Incidence and Prevalence

To Identify Bacterial Tonsillitis:-

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes in Your Neck

If you feel a tender lump in your neck, then this can indicate a bacterial infection. Although any infection in the throat can lead to a swollen lymph node, there is a high chance, that this could be because of bacterial tonsillitis.

2. White Spots

White spots on the throat are the most common symptom of bacterial tonsillitis. You can check for these spots, by just opening your mouth in front of a mirror.

3. Ear Infection

You can look out for some infection in your ear, as this can also be a sign of bacterial tonsillitis. But bacteria from a throat infection can rarely spread to the middle ear and cause an infection.

4. Abscess In The Tonsil

When bacterial tonsillitis is left untreated for some while, it can lead to a peritonsillar abscess. This abscess is full of pus, which will further lead to difficulty opening your mouth or a change in your voice.

To confirm if you have normal or bacterial tonsillitis, look for the above symptoms. After finding the causes and symptoms, let’s learn about their treatment.

Also Read: Difference Between Cold and Flu

Treatment of Viral and Bacterial Tonsillitis

Whether you have developed viral or bacterial tonsillitis, the treatment remains nearly the same. Some of the treatments are discussed below:

1. Home Remedies for Tonsillitis

Tips that can help you get instant relief from tonsillitis are:-

• Take enough rest
• Drink plenty of water 
• Eat cool or soft foods
• Gargle with warm water, better if salt is added
• Avoid smoke and smoky area as much as possible
• For bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics can work.

2. Surgery for Repetitive Tonsil Infections

ENT doctors recommend the option of surgical treatment when:

• Tonsillitis occurs frequently and affects the breath.
• The situation gets complicated to a peritonsillar abscess.
• Both viral and bacterial tonsillitis is infectious. And the best choice to cure frequent or chronic tonsillitis is tonsillectomy.

Conclusion

At times viral and bacterial tonsillitis are identical, yet technically they are different infections.

Viral tonsillitis occurs when a virus causes the tonsils, and the typical symptoms are fever, cough, and runny nose, to name a few.

Bacterial tonsillitis occurs when streptococcal bacteria affect your throat. You get these infections, in the same manner, you get a cold. Many times bacterial tonsillitis can happen secondary to a virus.

It can also be acute bronchitis, inflammation of the chest and the lining of the lungs, or an ear infection.

Antibiotics are the most prescribed treatment for bacterial tonsillitis. Viral tonsillitis usually improves for around a week or can also be treated with OTC remedies.