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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.

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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.

1. An abscess is a contained, pus-filled lump within tissue.
2. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
3. A peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues near the tonsils, usually when tonsillitis becomes severe or is left untreated.
4. It may cause intense pain on one side of the throat.
5. 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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Why do I get sharp throat pains when I swallow?

Common causes – A sore throat is often a symptom of:

• colds or flu – you may also have a blocked or runny nose, a cough, a high temperature (fever), a headache and general aches
• laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box) – you may also have a hoarse voice, a dry cough and a constant need to clear your throat
• tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) – you may also have red or spotty tonsils, discomfort when swallowing and a fever
• strep throat (a bacterial throat infection) – you may also have swollen glands in your neck, discomfort when swallowing and tonsillitis
• glandular fever – you may also feel very tired, have a fever and swollen glands in your neck

It may also be caused by something irritating your throat. For example, smoke, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (where acid leaks up from the stomach) and allergies,

What does it mean when it hurts to swallow on one side of your throat after an earache only at night?

Frequently Asked Questions –

What causes throat and ear pain on one side? Infections like the common cold, strep throat, mono, sinus infections, tooth infections, allergies, TMJ, and acid reflux can all cause pain in the throat and ear. Usually, you’ll have throat and ear pain on both sides. However, some causes are more likely than others to lead to one-sided ear and throat pain. For example, if one of your tonsils is more irritated than the other, you might feel discomfort mostly on that side. It’s also possible to get an ear infection in one ear but not the other. Conditions like TMJ can cause pain on both sides or just one side. What are home remedies for throat and ear pain when swallowing? Eat soft, cold foods that are easy to chew and swallow, drink plenty of cool fluids, and take OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen for about 30 to 60 minutes before eating and drinking. What can help ease a sore throat and ear pain? OTC pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) can help relieve your symptoms. Cough drops can soothe the back of the throat, as can cold foods and fluids. You can also apply heating pads or ice packs on your neck or near your affected ear. Keeping your upper body elevated if you have acid reflux can help prevent acid from coming up the esophagus into the back of your throat. This position can also encourage the auditory tube to drain if it is clogged with mucus or debris.

How long does a sharp sore throat last?

The duration of a sore throat depends on what’s causing it. Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lingering on until their underlying cause is addressed. Most sore throats are the result of common viruses and resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days.

1. Sore throats caused by a bacterial infection or allergies may last longer.
2. At-home treatments and prescribed medications can affect the length of time you experience symptoms from a sore throat, such as pain, scratchiness, and trouble swallowing.
3. Read on to learn more about sore throats and what you can do to improve your recovery.

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the flu or common cold. They can also be a symptom of other viral conditions, such as:

croup measles chicken pox

Sore throats caused by viruses don’t require antibiotics. They usually go away with minimal treatment of symptoms in 10 days or less. At-home treatments and prescribed corticosteroids can reduce the discomfort of these sore throats, which typically go away when the underlying infection resolves.

Is sharp pain swallowing Covid?

Some people describe COVID sore throat as the most painful sore throat they’ve ever experienced. Others report a sore throat that isn’t too different from one caused by a regular cold. Other COVID sore throat symptoms people notice include: Pain when swallowing or talking.

Can you get strep throat on one side?

Frequently Asked Questions –

How long does a one-sided sore throat last? How long a sore throat lasts depends more on the cause and less on where the pain is located. Some infections clear up within a week or so, but complicated infections or other causes, such as cancer, can last much longer. Can you get strep on one side of your throat? Strep infections usually cause pain on both sides of the throat. While it’s possible for strep to lead to complications such as peritonsillar abscess, in which pain may be limited to one side, most cases cause pain on both sides of the throat. When should I see a healthcare provider about a sore throat? For most sore throats, you should see your healthcare provider if your symptoms haven’t improved after a week or so. You should seek immediate care if you have complications such as bleeding from your throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

What is painful swallowing called?

Odynophagia refers to pain on swallowing.

Should I go to the doctor for painful swallowing?

Seeking medical care immediately is recommended if an adult or child has any difficulty swallowing or breathing. In non-emergency cases, a person should contact a primary care doctor or pediatrician. Health care providers may swab a patient’s throat and perform a rapid strep test in the office.

Why does it hurt going down when I swallow?

Overview – Esophagitis (uh-sof-uh-JIE-tis) is inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that delivers food from your mouth to your stomach. Esophagitis can cause painful, difficult swallowing and chest pain. Many different things can cause esophagitis.

Some common causes include stomach acids backing up into the esophagus, infection, oral medicines and allergies. Treatment for esophagitis depends on the underlying cause and how badly the tissue lining the esophagus is damaged. If left untreated, esophagitis can damage this lining and interfere with its function, which is to move food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach.

Esophagitis also can lead to complications such as scarring or narrowing of the esophagus, unintended weight loss and dehydration.

Is sharp throat pain when swallowing COVID?

Some people describe COVID sore throat as the most painful sore throat they’ve ever experienced. Others report a sore throat that isn’t too different from one caused by a regular cold. Other COVID sore throat symptoms people notice include: Pain when swallowing or talking.

What is painful swallowing called?

Odynophagia refers to pain on swallowing.