HealthEncyclo
EN
Health Topic
Skin, Hair & NailsDigestive HealthWomen's HealthMen's HealthBones, Joints & MusclesEar, Nose & ThroatBrain & NervesHeart & CirculationHormones & MetabolismCancer TopicsGeneral Health & Wellness
Body Part
Head & MouthEyes & EarsSkin, Hair & NailsBack & SpineLungs & BreathingDigestive SystemReproductive HealthArms, Legs, Hands & Feet
Health Guides & Resources
Symptoms & SignsConditions & DiseasesHealth ComparisonsTreatments & ProceduresHome Remedies & Self-CareAnatomy & Body SystemsCommon Health Questions
Subscribe

Throat Pain on One Side: Causes, Treatments, and When to Worry

Ear, Nose & ThroatSymptoms & Signs
Throat Pain on One Side: Causes, Treatments, and When to Worry

Key points

  • Tonsillitis: Your tonsils are two lymph nodes at the back of your throat. An infection can affect one tonsil more than the other, causing swelling, redness, and sharp pain on that side.
  • Peritonsillar Abscess: This is a serious complication of tonsillitis where a pocket of pus, called an abscess, forms near one of the tonsils. It causes severe, one-sided throat pain, fever, difficulty opening your mouth, and a muffled "hot potato" voice. A peritonsillar abscess is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes: Your neck is filled with lymph nodes that swell as they fight off infections from a cold, flu, strep throat, or even a tooth infection. If a single lymph node is particularly inflamed, it can cause tenderness and pain on one side of your neck and throat.
  • COVID-19 and Other Viruses: Viral infections are a primary cause of sore throats. Some recent COVID-19 variants have been linked to a particularly severe sore throat, anecdotally described as feeling like "swallowing razor blades," which can be felt more intensely on one side. This is due to a strong inflammatory reaction in the upper airway.
  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: This viral illness can cause painful sores to develop in the back of the mouth and throat, and they may be concentrated on one side.

Waking up with a sharp, localized pain on just one side of your throat can be unsettling. While a typical sore throat affects the entire area, one-sided pain often points to a specific, localized cause. The issue could be as simple as a swollen lymph node or as complex as a nerve-related condition.

This comprehensive guide synthesizes medical expertise to explore the many reasons for throat pain on one side, from the most common to the rare. We'll cover home remedies for relief, medical treatments, and the critical signs that mean you should see a doctor right away.

Common Causes of One-Sided Throat Pain

Most instances of one-sided throat pain are due to minor infections or irritations that are localized to a specific area in your throat or neck.

Infections and Inflammatory Conditions

When germs invade, your body’s inflammatory response can become focused on one area, leading to unilateral pain.

  • Tonsillitis: Your tonsils are two lymph nodes at the back of your throat. An infection can affect one tonsil more than the other, causing swelling, redness, and sharp pain on that side.
  • Peritonsillar Abscess: This is a serious complication of tonsillitis where a pocket of pus, called an abscess, forms near one of the tonsils. It causes severe, one-sided throat pain, fever, difficulty opening your mouth, and a muffled "hot potato" voice. A peritonsillar abscess is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes: Your neck is filled with lymph nodes that swell as they fight off infections from a cold, flu, strep throat, or even a tooth infection. If a single lymph node is particularly inflamed, it can cause tenderness and pain on one side of your neck and throat.
  • COVID-19 and Other Viruses: Viral infections are a primary cause of sore throats. Some recent COVID-19 variants have been linked to a particularly severe sore throat, anecdotally described as feeling like "swallowing razor blades," which can be felt more intensely on one side. This is due to a strong inflammatory reaction in the upper airway.
  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: This viral illness can cause painful sores to develop in the back of the mouth and throat, and they may be concentrated on one side.

Illustration comparing a viral and bacterial throat infection Image Source: New Mouth

Irritation and Mechanical Causes

Sometimes, the pain isn't from an infection but from physical irritation or strain.

  • Postnasal Drip: When excess mucus from your sinuses drips down the back of your throat, it can cause chronic irritation. Sleeping on your side can cause the mucus to pool and irritate one side of the throat more than the other.
  • Acid Reflux (GERD & LPR): Stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus (GERD) or even higher into the throat and voice box (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux or LPR) can cause a chemical burn. If you frequently sleep on one side, that side of your throat may be more exposed to acid, leading to morning soreness.
  • Injury or Trauma: A simple injury, like scratching your throat with a sharp piece of food (like a chip or cracker) or burning it with hot liquid, can cause localized pain.
  • Vocal Cord Strain: Yelling, singing, or talking excessively can strain your vocal cords. This can sometimes lead to a lesion or nodule on one vocal cord, causing hoarseness and one-sided pain.

Less Common But Important Causes of Unilateral Throat Pain

If your one-sided throat pain is persistent or accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it's important to consider less common causes.

Dental and Oral Health Issues

Problems in your mouth can often be felt in your throat.

  • Tooth Abscess: A severe infection in a tooth, particularly a molar, can cause pain to radiate to your jaw, ear, and one side of your throat.
  • Canker Sores: These small, painful ulcers can sometimes form in the back of your throat on one side, making swallowing uncomfortable.

Though rare, nerve conditions can cause sharp throat pain. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a disorder that causes brief but excruciating stabbing pain in the back of the throat, tongue, or ear, often triggered by swallowing.

Tumors and Cancer

While it is the least likely cause, persistent one-sided throat pain can be a warning sign of a tumor in the throat, tonsil, or voice box. It is crucial to see a doctor for any throat pain that lasts longer than four weeks, especially if it's accompanied by:

  • A lump in the neck
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Referred pain to the ear on the same side
  • Blood in your saliva
  • A persistent change in your voice (hoarseness)

According to the American Osteopathic Association, these "red flag" symptoms warrant a prompt medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions like throat cancer.

How to Soothe One-Sided Throat Pain at Home

For pain caused by minor infections or irritants, these home remedies can provide significant relief:

  • Gargle with Salt Water: Mix a half-teaspoon of salt into a full glass of warm water and gargle to reduce swelling and soothe irritation.
  • Use OTC Pain Relievers: Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also effective for pain.
  • Drink Warm Liquids: Soothing beverages like herbal tea with honey or warm broth can help moisturize your throat.
  • Try Cold Treats: Sucking on ice chips or eating popsicles can numb the area and provide temporary pain relief.
  • Use Medicated Lozenges or Sprays: Look for lozenges with numbing agents like benzocaine or cooling ingredients like menthol.
  • Run a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air, especially while you sleep, can prevent your throat from drying out and becoming more irritated.
  • Rest Your Voice: If you've been overusing your voice, giving it a break is essential for recovery.

When to See a Doctor

While many cases of one-sided throat pain resolve on their own, some symptoms are red flags that require medical evaluation.

Consult a doctor if you experience:

  • Pain that is severe or lasts for more than a week.
  • A fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C).
  • Difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
  • A palpable lump in your neck.
  • Blood in your saliva or phlegm.
  • A rash.
  • Hoarseness that persists for over two weeks.

Seek immediate medical attention or go to the emergency room if you have:

  • Difficulty breathing or making a high-pitched sound (stridor) when you breathe.
  • Inability to open your mouth fully (trismus).
  • Drooling or being unable to swallow your own saliva.

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

To determine the cause of your pain, a doctor will likely:

  1. Ask about your symptoms and medical history.
  2. Perform a physical exam, looking at your throat and feeling your neck for swollen lymph nodes.
  3. Conduct a throat swab to test for bacterial infections like strep throat.

Based on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections like strep throat or a peritonsillar abscess (which may also need to be drained).
  • Acid-reducing medications if the cause is GERD or LPR.
  • Allergy medications like antihistamines for postnasal drip.
  • Referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist for further investigation with tools like a laryngoscopy if a more serious condition is suspected.

Pain on one side of your throat is usually a sign of a localized and treatable issue. By understanding the potential causes and recognizing warning signs, you can take the right steps to find relief and ensure your long-term health.

References:

Benjamin Carter, MD

About the author

Benjamin Carter, MD
Otolaryngologist

Benjamin Carter, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist specializing in head and neck surgery, with an expertise in treating throat cancer. He is an associate professor and the residency program director at a medical school in North Carolina.