A sore throat is common, but pain on one side can feel more worrying. The good news is that in many cases, there’s a simple cause. Sometimes, though, one-sided symptoms can point to something more specific that may need investigation and treatment.
Understanding what may be behind your sore throat can help you decide when to keep an eye on your symptoms and when to seek advice.
Common causes of a sore throat on one side
There are several reasons why throat pain may affect just one side. Some causes are temporary and settle on their own, while others may need treatment.
Tonsillitis affecting one side
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, which makes them inflamed and swollen. The tonsils sit at the back of the throat and form part of the immune system, helping the body fight infection.
Although both tonsils are often affected, one side can become more inflamed than the other. This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Pain on one side when swallowing
- Swelling or redness on one tonsil
- Fever or feeling unwell
A viral infection usually causes tonsillitis, though bacterial infections can happen too and may need treatment.
Viral infections
Common viral infections, such as colds or flu, can cause throat pain that feels worse on one side, although viral tonsillitis usually affects both sides. You might also notice a blocked or runny nose, a cough or tiredness.
These infections are usually short-term and improve within a week or so, similar to other upper respiratory infections.
Injury or irritation
Sometimes the cause is more local. Irritation to one side of the throat might be caused by sharp foods scratching the lining of the throat while eating
This kind of discomfort often settles once the irritation heals.
Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are small glands that help your body fight infection. When they react, they can swell and become tender. If this happens on one side of the neck, it can cause pain that seems to have spread from one side of the throat. You may also notice tenderness when touching the neck.
Swollen lymph nodes are commonly linked to infections (affecting both tonsils) and usually improve as you recover.
Post-nasal drip
Post-nasal drip is when excess mucus runs from the back of the nose into the throat.
This more often than not irritates both sides, especially when lying down. It may feel like you need to keep clearing your throat. Some people also notice a tickly or sore sensation on one side.
Less common causes to be aware of
Most one-sided sore throats aren’t serious, but some less common causes may need further investigation.
Peritonsillar abscess
A peritonsillar abscess, also called quinsy, is a collection of pus that forms next to a tonsil.
This is less common but tends to cause more severe symptoms. This may include:
- Intense pain on one side of the throat
- Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
- A muffled voice
- Swelling that pushes the affected tonsil towards the centre of the throat
This condition usually develops as a complication of tonsillitis and needs urgent medical assessment.
Chronic inflammation
Chronic (long-term) throat inflammation can cause pain on one side (although usually on both sides), and may be linked to factors like ongoing acid reflux, repeated infections and smoking.
If symptoms don’t improve or keep coming back, it’s worth having them assessed.
Head and neck conditions
In rare cases, a persistent sore throat on one side can be linked to more serious conditions affecting the throat, e.g. throat cancer.
Always seek medical advice if your sore throat lasts longer than two to three weeks or is accompanied by:
- Difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the neck
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing ear pain on the same side
Early assessment can help rule out more serious causes and give you reassurance.
Find support for your sore throat
A sore throat on one side can feel worrying, but it’s often linked to common causes such as infection or irritation. However, if symptoms don’t improve, worsen or feel unusual, it’s important to have them checked.
For expert advice and reassurance, book a consultation with Mr Wale Olarinde at ENT Sheffield today.