Pain when swallowing on only one side of the throat is a common symptom with various underlying causes. While often temporary, this unilateral pain can range from minor irritations to conditions requiring medical evaluation. Understanding its potential origins helps determine appropriate steps for relief or when to seek professional advice.
Common Reasons for Unilateral Swallowing Pain
Unilateral swallowing pain frequently arises from localized inflammation or infection. Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, is a common cause, where an infection in a single tonsil leads to pain primarily on that side, often with fever, difficulty swallowing, and bad breath. Strep throat, a bacterial infection, can also present with pain predominantly on one side, though it typically affects both. This infection can cause severe throat pain, red and swollen tonsils (often with white patches), and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
Inflammation of the voice box (laryngitis) can result in one-sided throat pain if one vocal cord is more irritated. This condition often includes hoarseness, a tickling sensation, and a dry cough. Post-nasal drip, where mucus drains down the back of the throat, commonly irritates it, leading to soreness or scratchiness that might feel more pronounced on one side. This drainage can inflame specific areas.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can contribute to unilateral throat pain when stomach acid flows back. If a person lies on their side, acid reflux may cause soreness on that side. This acid can damage throat tissue, leading to inflammation and discomfort, sometimes described as a burning sensation. Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small, painful lesions that can form on soft tissues in the mouth, including the tonsils, causing significant one-sided throat pain that might be mistaken for tonsillitis or strep throat. These sores usually have a red border with a white or yellow center.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, which filter germs, can become sore and enlarged when fighting infection. If only one lymph node near the throat is affected, it can cause localized pain on that side. Minor irritations, such as a dry throat from low humidity or dehydration, can also lead to discomfort that might be more noticeable on one side. Injuries from sharp food items or burns from hot liquids can also cause localized pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of unilateral swallowing pain resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Persistent pain lasting more than a few days, severe pain, or rapidly worsening pain are signs to seek professional advice. Difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva, along with excessive drooling, are serious indicators requiring immediate medical attention.
Other “red flag” symptoms include a high fever, chills, or pus in the back of the throat. Swollen lymph nodes that continue to enlarge or are accompanied by a long-lasting fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, should be evaluated. Changes in voice, such as hoarseness, or a lump in the neck, also suggest a medical assessment. Any pain with a rash, body aches, joint pain, an earache on the affected side, or blood in the mouth or when coughing also prompts a doctor’s visit.
Immediate Relief and Self-Care
For minor cases of unilateral swallowing pain, several self-care measures can alleviate discomfort. Gargling with warm salt water can soothe a scratchy throat, reduce swelling, and loosen mucus. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in about 8 ounces of warm water and gargle several times daily.
Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, warm liquids like tea or broth, and non-caffeinated beverages, keeps the throat moist and prevents dehydration. Hydration helps soothe irritated tissues and aids in clearing mucus.
Sucking on throat lozenges, hard candies, or ice chips stimulates saliva production, providing a soothing effect and keeping the throat moist.
Using a humidifier can add moisture to dry air, which helps keep the throat hydrated and reduces irritation, especially during winter months or in air-conditioned environments. Both cool-mist and warm-mist humidifiers can be beneficial, though cool-mist varieties are often recommended for safety.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. These medications are widely available and provide temporary relief while the underlying cause resolves or is addressed.