What's the Difference Between Strep Throat and Bronchitis?

Waking up with a sore throat is never a pleasant experience. It may just be a sign of a cold or your allergies acting up — but how do you know when it's something more?

If accompanied by a cough, a painful sore throat could be a symptom of strep throat or bronchitis. Here's how to tell the difference. 

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause pain and inflammation in the throat. Strep throat is more commonly found in children, typically between the ages of 5-15, but it can affect all age groups.

While a sore red throat with white patches is the most common sign of strep throat, other symptoms can include:

• abdominal pain
• fever
• nausea
• swollen lymph nodes
• body aches
• rash
• chills

Since strep throat can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications if left untreated, prompt treatment is important. See a health care provider as soon as possible, especially if you know you have been exposed. Immediate treatment can also help soothe your symptoms. 

Strep throat is highly contagious, which makes practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and not sharing drinks or food, an important step to preventing the infection from spreading.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a respiratory infection caused by inflammation of your airways. Bronchitis occurs when the lining of your bronchioles — which are small tubes in your lungs — become inflamed. Bronchitis can be a viral or bacterial infection depending on the duration and severity of the symptoms. Most often, the inflammation is caused by viruses, like the flu virus. 

The most common symptom of bronchitis is a cough that persists for more than 5 days. Bronchitis can also cause sore throat and other symptoms including:

• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• fatigue
• wheezing

Fever is not common with bronchitis, but developing a low-grade fever is possible. The cough associated with bronchitis may remain after your symptoms are treated and could last up to 3 to 4 weeks. If you experience symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with a care provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Get Care for Strep Throat or Bronchitis Fast

If you think you have strep throat or bronchitis, it's important to get care quickly. If you're experiencing a minor injury or illness like moderate strep throat or bronchitis, choose Cone Health Urgent Care for a quick, affordable alternative to the emergency room.

Every Cone Health Urgent Care location treats all ages — from children through adults. Appointments are not required and walk-ins are welcome. Learn more, see wait times and schedule an appointment at conehealth.com/urgentcare.