Sharp pain on one side of the throat when swallowing can be concerning, especially with its connection to COVID-19. This article explores its link to COVID-19 and other potential causes. This information is for general knowledge and should not substitute professional medical advice.
Unilateral Throat Pain as a COVID-19 Symptom
COVID-19 can cause throat pain, sometimes predominantly on one side. Newer variants, like Omicron, are linked to more throat-related symptoms. The virus targets upper airway cells, including the throat. The sharp pain often results from the body’s inflammatory response, causing localized swelling and irritation.
A COVID-19 sore throat can feel dry, scratchy, or itchy, or like inflamed tonsils. Pain may be severe initially but often improves within a few days. While fever and cough are common COVID-19 symptoms, sore throat is also frequent. Studies report it in a significant percentage of patients, with some variants linked to particularly intense, “razor blade-like” throat pain.
Other Potential Causes of One-Sided Throat Pain
While COVID-19 is a possibility, many other conditions can cause sharp, unilateral throat pain when swallowing. Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, often causes pain affecting one side, especially if only one tonsil is infected. It can be viral or bacterial, with symptoms like fever, difficulty swallowing, and noisy breathing.
A peritonsillar abscess, a pus-filled pocket near a tonsil, often develops as a complication of tonsillitis. It typically causes severe pain localized to one side of the throat. It can also cause difficulty opening the mouth fully, a muffled voice, fever, ear pain, and drooling.
Acid reflux, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), can irritate the throat with stomach acid, sometimes causing a burning or painful sensation on one side. Postnasal drip, where excess mucus drains down the back of the throat, can also irritate one side, leading to soreness.
Trauma or injury to the throat, such as from swallowing sharp food items or very hot liquids, can result in localized soreness. Swollen lymph nodes, which filter the body, can also cause one-sided neck and throat pain when they swell due to infections like the common cold, flu, strep throat, mononucleosis, or a tooth abscess.
Less commonly, nerve irritation, such as glossopharyngeal neuralgia, can cause sudden, severe, and episodic pain on one side of the throat, ear, tongue, or jaw, often triggered by swallowing. Infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus) can cause sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes, sometimes predominantly affecting one side. Laryngitis, an inflammation of the voice box, can also cause unilateral pain if one vocal cord is irritated, leading to hoarseness and voice changes.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many cases of one-sided throat pain resolve on their own, certain warning signs indicate the need for prompt medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Severe pain preventing swallowing liquids or saliva, potentially leading to drooling.
- Inability to open the mouth fully (trismus) or a muffled voice.
- Significant, rapidly progressing swelling on one side of the neck or face.
- High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C) not responding to over-the-counter medications.
- Symptoms worsening significantly or persisting over a week without improvement.
- Blood in saliva or phlegm, persistent earache, joint pain, or a rash.
- Weakened immune system with persistent or severe throat pain.
Managing One-Sided Throat Pain at Home
For one-sided throat pain without concerning red flags, several home care strategies can help alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) can reduce pain and inflammation. Throat lozenges or sprays with local anesthetics can also provide temporary relief.
Gargling with warm salt water (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt in 4-8 ounces water) can reduce swelling and soreness. Stay well-hydrated; drink plenty of water, warm liquids like broth or tea, or cool liquids such as ice pops to soothe irritation.
Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing dryness. Steamy showers offer similar benefits. Opt for soft, easy-to-swallow foods. Resting your voice allows inflamed throat tissues to recover. Monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if pain worsens or red flags appear.