Strep Throat
 

So is this the same as tonsillitis or not? If not what is the UK equivalent as I have never heard of it and assume its not something that only affects americans!!

Re: Strep Throat
 

i've heard lots of peeps here having strep throat but never heard of it before coming here so not sure ...i'd be interested to know as well :confused:

Re: Strep Throat
 

Streptococcal pharyngitis is a bacteria that causes a painful inflammation of the pharynx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strep_throat

Re: Strep Throat
 

I'm pretty sure it's the same thing.

Re: Strep Throat
 

It's not exactly the same as tonsillitis - it's called strep throat in the UK as well but like you say, you hear of many more people over here getting it. Not sure why - maybe it's just that Brits tend not to use the full terminology.

Tonsillitis is any inflammation of the tonsils - it's a non-specific term and could be caused by viruses, bacteria etc. Strep throat is a throat infection specifically caused by streptococcus bacteria. It can lead to tonsillitis but doesn't always.

Re: Strep Throat
 

Kids at school get it a lot.. My kids probably used get it once every 2 years or so. Often related to an ear infection. Antipbiotics start to get them feeling TONS better in 24-48 hours.

Re: Strep Throat
 

Correct.