throat on one side

Overview

Throat pain on one side means you feel soreness, tenderness, or discomfort in only one part of your throat. It can feel like a scratch, a sharp twinge, or a dull ache. This symptom usually happens because of an infection, irritation, or a minor injury. Many times it is not serious, but it is important to notice how you feel and see a doctor if the pain is severe or lasts longer than a few days.

Yes. Sore throats are very common, and many people experience pain on one side at some point. It is slightly less common than a general sore throat that affects both sides, but it is still a frequent reason people visit a pharmacist or doctor.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in children and young adults, especially when it involves the tonsils. Older adults may also get it, but the cause is sometimes different, such as acid reflux or an irritation from a dry throat.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or soreness on just one side of the throat
• Redness or swelling at the back of the throat
• Pain that gets worse when swallowing or talking
• Swollen glands or lymph nodes on one side of the neck
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat
• Mild fever or headache

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or crying more than usual
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Drooling more than usual
• A hoarse voice or a change in cry
• Touching or holding the neck

Symptoms in older adults

• Less likely to have a high fever
• A dry or scratchy feeling in the throat
• Trouble swallowing or food getting stuck
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• A feeling of tiredness or general weakness

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19
• Bacterial infections such as strep throat
• Tonsillitis, which is inflammation of the tonsils
• A peritonsillar abscess, which is a collection of pus near a tonsil
• A dental infection or an abscessed tooth
• A salivary gland stone or infection
• Acid reflux that irritates one side of the throat
• Minor injury from swallowing something sharp, like a bone or a cracker

Risk factors

• Recent exposure to someone with a cold, flu, or strep throat
• Smoking or being around cigarette smoke
• Poor oral hygiene
• A weakened immune system from illness or stress
• Frequent throat clearing or shouting, which can strain the throat

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain that makes it hard to swallow
• If you have a high fever with throat pain
• If you have a muffled voice and a stiff neck
• If you cannot open your mouth more than a few centimetres
• If you see swelling or a bulge inside your throat

Book a routine appointment if:

• If the pain lasts for more than three days
• If you have a swollen gland on one side of your neck that does not shrink
• If you have hoarseness for more than two weeks
• If you keep getting throat pain on the same side

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and look at your ears, nose, and throat. They may press gently on your neck to check for swollen glands. They will try to see the back of your throat using a light and a tongue depressor.

Tests that may be done

• A throat swab to check for a bacterial infection
• A blood test if they suspect a more widespread infection
• An ultrasound or CT scan if they think you might have an abscess

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is quick and usually painless. A throat swab feels a little like a scrape at the back of your throat, but it only lasts a few seconds. You will usually get advice about home care, and you may get a prescription if there is a clear bacterial infection. If you need imaging, you will be referred to a specialist.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. For most viral infections, the body heals on its own, and the goal is to manage symptoms. For bacterial infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If there is an abscess, a specialist may need to drain it. Home care is helpful for all types of throat pain.

Self-care at home

• Rest your voice and avoid shouting
• Drink plenty of warm fluids like tea or broth
• Gargle with warm salt water two to three times a day
• Eat soft, cool foods like yogurt, soup, or smoothies
• Avoid smoking and smoky or dry environments
• Use a cool-mist humidifier in your room to keep your throat moist

Medical treatments

Your healthcare provider may recommend a simple pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medicine that you can buy over the counter. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right choice for you. If a test shows a bacterial infection, they will prescribe an antibiotic. You should take the full course exactly as given, even if you feel better sooner. Never share or use leftover antibiotics.

When is surgery considered?

If you have a peritonsillar abscess, a specialist may need to drain the pus with a needle or a small cut. In rare cases of repeated severe tonsillitis, a doctor may suggest an operation to remove the tonsils. This is always discussed with you in detail.

Living with this condition

While you recover, take it easy. Drink fluids regularly to keep your throat moist. Try not to talk too much, and avoid clearing your throat harshly. Use a humidifier or take a warm shower to add moisture to the air. If you feel pain when swallowing, choose softer foods until it improves.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid spicy, salty, or crunchy foods that can irritate your throat
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• If you smoke, try to stop or cut down
• Try sleeping with an extra pillow to help reduce postnasal drip

Diet and exercise

Eat soft, cool foods like ice cream, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. Avoid acidic drinks like orange juice or soda. You can exercise lightly if you feel well, but avoid intense activity until your throat feels better.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Throat pain can make it hard to eat and sleep, which can leave you feeling low and frustrated. It is normal to feel a bit irritable when you are in pain. If you feel anxious that the pain might be something serious, talk to your doctor. Your mental health matters as much as your physical health.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting throat infections by washing your hands often, avoiding sharing cups or utensils, and staying away from people who are sick. If you smoke, quitting can lower your risk. Keeping your mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing also helps.

Vaccines

Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, can help prevent some infections that cause sore throats.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for throat pain. If you have persistent or unusual symptoms, your doctor will decide if any tests are needed.

Complications

If left untreated

• A mild infection can spread and cause a more serious illness
• An abscess might grow and make it harder to breathe or swallow
• Dehydration can occur if you are unable to drink enough fluids
• Rarely, an untreated strep infection can affect the kidneys or heart

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good. Most cases of throat pain on one side improve within a few days to a week. With simple home care and, when needed, medical treatment, nearly everyone recovers fully. Even if you need an antibiotic or a small procedure, your symptoms are likely to settle quickly.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.