It is March! We shouldn’t have to be worrying about illnesses like strep throat and bronchitis, right? Not so fast!

Although strep throat and bronchitis are more common during the winter, our team at AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill wants to make sure you are still staying on top of your game when it comes to preventing sickness this spring. Take a look at the differences between strep throat and bronchitis.

What Exactly Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a scratchy and painful throat. The condition is very common among kids, but can also occur in adults.

Because strep throat is a bacterial infection, it should be treated with an antibiotic. If untreated, the bacteria that causes strep throat can also lead to more severe illnesses including rheumatic fever.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

• Sore throat that lasts more than two days
• White patches on back of throat
• Hard time swallowing
• Dark, red splotches or spots on the tonsils or the top of the mouth.
• Difficulty breathing

How Do I Know If I Have Bronchitis?

Like strep throat, bronchitis can also cause symptoms like a sore throat and headache. But because bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs, you will also experience symptoms related to your respiratory system.

This may include painful and incessant coughing, sore ribs due to coughing, nasal congestion and wheezing. Bronchitis can be either viral or bacterial, so treatment will vary.

Treatment of Bronchitis

• Take an antibiotic if your illness is bacterial.
• Try throat lozenges to soothe a sore throat.
• Take OTC medications to ease fever and pain.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of fluids.

Feeling under the weather? Visit AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill today for a medical evaluation. No appointment is needed!