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A sore throat is a common reason to see a doctor. However, when a throat is sore on only one side, it may be a sign of a different illness or condition such as swollen lymph nodes or tonsillitis. In this article, we look at nine possible causes of a sore throat on one side. We also discuss when to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest Some illnesses and conditions cause soreness on only one side of the throat. The body’s lymph nodes act as filters, helping to identify and trap germs, such as viruses and bacteria, before they can infect other areas. As they do this, the lymph nodes may swell up and become sore.

a cold or flu strep throat an ear infectionan infected tooth, or tooth abscess mononucleosis, sometimes called “mono”infections in the skin cancer HIV

Many common viral illnesses, such as a cold or flu, can cause a sore throat. In these cases, the throat may only be sore on one side. When the nose is congested, mucus and fluid drain down the back of the throat. This is known as postnasal drip. Continual drainage can irritate the throat, leading to a feeling of soreness or scratchiness.

A specific part of the throat may become more irritated by drainage. It may feel like one side is raw and inflamed. Antibiotics cannot treat or weaken viral illnesses. If a cold, flu, or another viral illness is causing the sore throat, treatment will likely involve rest and fluids. Tonsillitis describes inflammation of one or more tonsil.

The tonsils are located at the back of the throat, and a virus or bacterium usually causes the infection and inflammation. An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. It may also cause a fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing. Bacterial tonsillitis usually resolves with antibiotic treatment.

An abscess is a contained, pus-filled lump within tissue. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection. A peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues near the tonsils, usually when tonsillitis becomes severe or is left untreated. It may cause intense pain on one side of the throat. It may also cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and trouble swallowing.

A person with a peritonsillar abscess requires urgent medical care. In severe cases, it can interfere with breathing. The abscess may need to be drained by a doctor. Antibiotics are also used to treat the underlying infection. Many things can injure the back of the mouth or throat, including:

burns from hot food or liquidfood with sharp edges, such as chips or crackersendotracheal intubation, which is the insertion of a tube down the throat to help with breathing

If one side of the throat is sore from being scraped or burned, gargling with warm salt water may help to soothe symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) is a condition that causes the stomach’s contents, including stomach acid, to back up into the food pipe and throat.

pain or burning in the middle of the chestthe feeling of a lump or object in the throathoarsenessa dry coughburning in the mouth

If GERD goes untreated for too long, it can damage the food pipe and throat. The condition is treatable with medications and lifestyle changes. As the name implies, this viral illness usually causes sores to form on the hands, feet, and mouth. Sores can develop in the back of the mouth, near the sides of the throat, and one side may be more affected than the other.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually occurs in children under 5 years of age, but it can also spread to older children and adults. The recommended treatment usually comprises rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication for pain relief. However, the disease can cause dehydration, especially in young children.

A person should see a doctor if they are unable to drink. Share on Pinterest Vocal therapy and resting the voice may help to treat vocal cord lesions. Overusing or misusing the voice can lead to lesions or sores on the vocal cords. A lesion may form on one side, causing one area of the throat to be sore.

• A person with a vocal cord lesion will usually notice a change in their voice, such as hoarseness.
• These types of lesions are usually treatable.
• Resting the voice and vocal therapy are typically used to correct vocal cord lesions.
• In some cases, lesions will require surgery.
• While they are among the least common causes of a sore throat, tumors can affect the throat and surrounding areas.

They may be benign or cancerous. A tumor can cause soreness on one side of the throat. It may be located in the back of the throat or tongue, or in the larynx, which is commonly known as the voice box. Usually, a tumor will also lead to symptoms that do not occur with common infections and illnesses.

a lump in the necka hoarse voicenoisy breathingunexplained weight lossblood in the saliva or bloody phlegman ongoing cough

If a throat is sore on one side, the cause is usually a minor viral infection, such as the common cold. However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear:

an inability to eat or drink because of the sore throata severe sore throat that lasts for more than 7 days swollen lymph nodes that get bigger as the sore throat feels betterdifficulty breathing, or a feeling of the throat closingtrouble swallowinga fever pus in the back of the throatbody aches or joint painan earachea rashblood in the mouthcoughing up blooda lump in the necka sore throat that goes away and comes backhoarseness that lasts for more than 2 weeks

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What to do if it hurts to swallow on one side?

Mouth, throat, or esophageal cancer – These types of cancer can cause pain when you swallow. You may have an earache or a lump in your neck if you have throat cancer causing one-sided pain. Mouth cancer can cause painful swallowing as well as pain in your jaw and sores or lumps in your mouth.

• Reflux. Reflux-related conditions may be treated with over-the-counter medications to decrease acid in your stomach as well as dietary and other lifestyle changes.
• Postnasal drip. Postnasal drip may require different treatments depending on the cause. Keeping hydrated may help as well as taking allergy medications or decongestants.
• Swollen lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes may go away as your body fights off a virus and infection, or you may need prescription medications. Apply a warm compress or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce painful symptoms.
• Laryngitis. Laryngitis could go away on its own but may require medications like antibiotics or steroids. Keeping your throat moist with a humidifier or by drinking water may help.
• Tonsillitis. Tonsillitis may be soothed by gargling salt water, using a humidifier, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. You may need antibiotics if the cause is bacterial.
• Abscessed or impacted tooth. Abscessed teeth will need to be treated by a dentist and may result in a root canal. Your dentist may recommend surgically removing your impacted wisdom teeth.
• Canker sore. Canker sores will usually go away on their own, but you may find relief with mouth rinses, as well as topical or oral medications.
• Epiglottitis. Epiglottitis treatment will focus on opening up your airways and treating any infections with antibiotics.
• Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia may be treated with prescription medications, a nerve block, or even surgery.
• Mouth, throat, or esophageal cancer. Cancer treatment can include surgery, medications, chemotherapy, and radiation.

You should always seek a doctor if you experience life-threatening symptoms such as:

• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• faintness (lightheadedness)
• high fever, which is when a child or an adult has a temperature that exceeds 100.4°F (38°C)

See a doctor for less severe symptoms if they don’t clear up in the expected amount of time or if they get worse. Ignoring symptoms may lead to more significant health concerns, so don’t delay a diagnosis. A doctor will:

• discuss your symptoms
• perform a physical exam
• order any tests necessary to diagnose the condition

Several conditions may contribute to pain on one side of your throat when swallowing. Consider your other symptoms to determine what might be causing the swallowing discomfort. Some conditions may require immediate medical care, while others may be treated with home-based remedies and rest. Talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about your symptoms.

Why is my throat sore on one side for months?

“The ‘run of the mill’ strep throat and tonsillitis are more often seen by primary care physicians,” says Dr. Flores. “ENTs see the more complicated cases that don’t respond to standard treatment. Many of these people have infectious mononucleosis, or eventually need tonsillectomies.” In addition, Flores notes that persistent throat pain on one side — or that feels worse on one side — may indicate a bacterial infection that usually begins as a complication of tonsillitis or untreated strep throat (peritonsillar abscess).

What gland is on the right side of your neck?

The lymph glands, also known as lymph nodes, are mostly on the side of the neck.

Why is my slight sore throat not going away?

When to worry about a sore throat Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable, or worse. In many cases, sore throats are caused by viral infections but an expert at Baylor College of Medicine says that although this may be the most common cause; multiple health conditions may play a role in having an itchy, irritated and painful throat.

“The most common reason for someone to develop a sore throat would be a virus, and this is often accompanied by a runny nose, cough or malaise,” said, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Baylor. A severe sore throat may be an indication of possible strep throat, a bacterial infection. Individuals who develop strep throat often have high fevers or pus on the tonsils; however, Ongkasuwan said many other viral infections may be associated with high fevers so she recommends visiting your doctor for a throat swab.

“For most people experiencing a sore throat, I generally recommend rest and hydration. If you are highly concerned then you should get a strep swab, and you really shouldn’t take antibiotics unless the strep swab is positive,” she said. Those who experience strep throat multiple times a year may be a candidate for tonsillectomy.

“According to the Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, if an individual has documented strep throat seven times in one year, five times per year for two consecutive years, or three times per year for three consecutive years, they can consider having their tonsils removed,” Ongkasuwan said.

Other health conditions that can cause sore throat are reflux, tonsil stones, muscle tension, and mononucleosis, also known as mono. Acid reflux can cause heartburn and if the acid reaches the throat it can also lead to throat discomfort. Tonsil stones refer to food debris that get stuck in the tonsils resulting in inflammation and irritation.

For throat pain that persists beyond three weeks and is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or weight loss, Ongkasuwan recommends visiting a doctor to rule out any severe health conditions. There are ways to sooth a sore throat without having to take antibiotics, such as non-caffeinated warm tea or hot water with honey.

“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.” : When to worry about a sore throat

Why do my tonsils hurt but I’m not sick?

Summary – Many things can cause a sore throat, and not all of them are worrisome. Most sore throats are caused by viruses or bacteria, which often come with other signs of infection, such as a fever. Even so, there are other causes of a sore throat that may not present with a fever, including allergies, acid reflux, colds, STIs, environmental pollutants, or even cancer.

How do I know if one of my tonsils is infected?

Typical signs of a bacterial infection include white pus-filled spots on the tonsils, no cough and swollen or tender lymph glands. If you develop severe tonsillitis as a teenager or adult, your GP may recommend a blood test for glandular fever.

Why is one tonsil very inflamed?

Risk factors for swollen tonsils – While tonsillitis can happen to anyone at any time, it’s more common in children and adolescents:

more common in children ages 5-15: tonsillitis caused by bacteria more common in children 5 years and younger: tonsillitis caused by a virus

Almost every child in the US may have to deal with tonsilitis at least once, especially once they start attending school or daycare. If you’ve noticed only one seemingly swollen tonsil on your child (or yourself), it could be a peritonsillar abscess,

• A peritonsillar abscess forms at the back of the mouth and manifests as a pus-filled tissue next to one tonsil.
• These abscesses are typically a complication of tonsillitis and tend to be rare because tonsillitis is usually treated before the abscess can form.
• One swollen tonsil may also be a sign of tonsil cancer, although other symptoms usually show up along with it, like a chronic sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes.

Most cases of swollen tonsils that are caused by a virus typically clear up on their own. Your doctor may recommend some over-the-counter (OTC) methods for easing pain, like:

throat numbing sprayslozengesantiseptic solutions OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)

If a bacterial infection like strep causes your swollen tonsils, you’ll likely need antibiotics to fight it off. If you have frequent recurrent tonsillitis that interferes with your daily activities and doesn’t respond well to conservative treatment, surgical removal of the tonsils may be recommended.

Why is one ear hurting and my throat is sore?

Potential causes of ear and throat pain Some common causes include: Ear infections, such as otitis media or swimmer’s ear. Throat infections, such as strep throat or tonsillitis. Inflammation or irritation, such as from allergies or acid reflux.

Can throat pain last more than 3 days?

What can I expect if I have a sore throat? – Most of the time, a sore throat isn’t a serious medical issue. Most sore throats go away within a few days. You should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a few days or if you have a sore throat and the following issues:

Severe throat pain. Trouble breathing or swallowing. A fever, especially if it’s over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). A visible bulge in the back of your throat. Blood in your saliva or phlegm. Extreme tiredness. Rash anywhere on your body.

Why is my sore throat not going away?

Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat that lingers for a few weeks or returns frequently. Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by infection, environmental pollutants, allergies or acid reflux.

Why my throat is paining for a long time?

Other causes – Other causes of a sore throat include:

Allergies. Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust and pollen can cause a sore throat. The problem may be complicated by postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat. Dryness. Dry indoor air can make your throat feel rough and scratchy. Breathing through your mouth — often because of chronic nasal congestion — also can cause a dry, sore throat. Irritants. Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat. Muscle strain. You can strain muscles in your throat by yelling, talking loudly or talking for long periods without rest. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive system disorder in which stomach acids back up in the food pipe (esophagus). Other signs or symptoms may include heartburn, hoarseness, regurgitation of stomach contents and the sensation of a lump in your throat. HIV infection. A sore throat and other flu-like symptoms sometimes appear early after someone is infected with HIV. Also, someone who is HIV-positive might have a chronic or recurring sore throat due to a fungal infection called oral thrush or due to a viral infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can be serious in people with compromised immune systems. Tumors. Cancerous tumors of the throat, tongue or voice box (larynx) can cause a sore throat. Other signs or symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, noisy breathing, a lump in the neck, and blood in saliva or phlegm.

Rarely, an infected area of tissue (abscess) in the throat or swelling of the small cartilage “lid” that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis) can cause a sore throat. Both can block the airway, creating a medical emergency. Although anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make you more susceptible, including:

Age. Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats. Children ages 3 to 15 are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat. Exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box. Allergies. Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander make developing a sore throat more likely. Exposure to chemical irritants. Particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can cause throat irritation. Chronic or frequent sinus infections. Drainage from your nose can irritate your throat or spread infection. Close quarters. Viral and bacterial infections spread easily anywhere people gather, whether in child care centers, classrooms, offices or airplanes. Weakened immunity. You’re more susceptible to infections in general if your resistance is low. Common causes of lowered immunity include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, stress, fatigue, and poor diet.

The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene. Follow these tips and teach your child to do the same:

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or utensils. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, and then wash your hands. When necessary, sneeze into your elbow. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative to washing hands when soap and water aren’t available. Avoid touching public phones or drinking fountains with your mouth. Regularly clean and disinfect phones, doorknobs, light switches, remotes and computer keyboards. When you travel, clean phones, light switches and remotes in your hotel room. Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms.