A sore throat can present as a general discomfort throughout the pharynx, but sometimes the pain is distinctly localized to one side. This unilateral sensation can stem from various causes, ranging from common infections to more specific localized issues. Understanding the potential reasons for pain on one side of the throat can help in identifying when professional medical advice is needed.
Common Reasons for Soreness on One Side
Common viral infections, such as the cold or flu, can cause sore throats where inflammation feels more pronounced on one side. While these affect the entire throat, pain perception can be asymmetrical due to localized irritation.
Bacterial infections like strep throat can also cause pain that feels more intense on one side. Some individuals experience a more severe sensation on a single side, possibly due to the initial infection site or asymmetrical immune response.
Post-nasal drip frequently irritates pharyngeal tissues. This irritation can be felt predominantly on one side, especially if mucus accumulates or drains more on one side, or if sleeping habits lead to localized pooling.
Allergies can trigger inflammation in the nasal passages and throat, sometimes causing a sore throat that feels more acute on one side. This inflammation may not be uniform, contributing to a one-sided sensation.
Acid reflux (GERD) involves stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, irritating the throat lining. This acid exposure can cause a burning sensation or soreness often felt on one side, particularly after lying down or at night.
Specific Localized Conditions
Tonsillitis, inflammation or infection of the tonsils, frequently causes more severe pain on one side if only one tonsil is affected. Unilateral inflammation can lead to significant localized discomfort.
A peritonsillar abscess is a serious condition where a pocket of pus forms behind one tonsil. This causes severe, rapidly worsening pain on one side of the throat, often with difficulty swallowing and opening the mouth.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, can cause referred pain felt in the throat, often on one side. Dysfunction in this joint can radiate discomfort to adjacent areas, including the throat.
Dental issues, such as a toothache, erupting wisdom tooth, or a gum infection on one side of the mouth, can cause pain radiating into the throat. This referred sensation occurs because nerves supplying the teeth and jaw are interconnected with those in the throat.
Irritation of specific nerves, such as the glossopharyngeal nerve, can cause sharp, sudden, severe pain localized to one side of the throat, known as glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Its irritation can cause intense, unilateral discomfort.
Thyroid conditions, including inflammation (thyroiditis) or a nodule on one side of the thyroid gland, can cause discomfort or pressure in the throat. Localized issues within the thyroid gland can be perceived as one-sided throat pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Home Care
Prompt medical evaluation is warranted for certain symptoms accompanying a one-sided sore throat. These include difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe pain preventing liquid intake, a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), neck swelling, or excessive drooling. Other signs include inability to fully open the mouth, a muffled voice, or persistent unilateral pain that does not improve within a few days.
A doctor’s visit is also advisable if the sore throat is accompanied by a rash, joint pain, or recurs frequently. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for bacterial infections and more serious localized conditions.
For milder cases of one-sided throat soreness, several home care strategies can help alleviate discomfort. Gargling with warm salt water can soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. Lozenges or hard candies stimulate saliva production, keeping the throat moist and providing temporary relief. Staying well-hydrated with fluids like water and warm teas is important for comfort and recovery. Resting the voice and avoiding irritants such as smoke or highly acidic foods also contributes to healing.