Pain on one side of the throat can be caused by tonsillitis, a viral infection, swollen lymph nodes, irritation, acid reflux or an abscess near a tonsil.
The cause depends on how severe the pain is, how long it has lasted and whether you have other symptoms, such as fever, earache or difficulty swallowing. Although many causes are minor, severe or worsening one-sided pain needs prompt medical assessment.
Throat Specialist is founded by Dr Nick Hamilton who specialises in tonsillitis treatment in London and other chronic conditions relating to the throat, tonsils and voice. To discuss your symptoms, please contact us on secretary@throatspecialist.co.uk or call us on 020 7034 6053
Key takeaways:
- Common causes include throat infections, tonsil problems and irritation.
- Persistent or worsening pain on one side should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
- Severe pain with difficulty breathing, swallowing saliva or opening your mouth requires urgent assessment.
What can cause throat pain?
The main causes of throat pain include viral infections, bacterial infections, tonsillitis, a peritonsillar abscess, acid reflux and irritation.
– Viral infections: Colds, flu and other viral infections can cause inflammation and soreness in the throat. Although discomfort may feel worse on one side, viral infections often cause additional symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose or tiredness.
– Bacterial infections: Bacterial throat infections, including those caused by group A Streptococcus, can cause significant pain, fever and discomfort when swallowing. A clinician can assess your symptoms and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.
– Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed, usually because of a viral infection and sometimes because of bacteria. One tonsil may feel more painful than the other, particularly during an infection. You can read more about what to do if you keep getting tonsillitis.
– Peritonsillar abscess: Also known as quinsy, this is a collection of pus that develops near a tonsil. It can cause severe one-sided throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth, a muffled voice and problems swallowing. It needs urgent hospital assessment.
– Acid reflux: Reflux occurs when stomach contents travel upwards towards the throat. It can cause irritation, hoarseness, a burning sensation or discomfort when swallowing, sometimes without obvious heartburn.
– Irritation or injury: Smoking, dry air, shouting and minor injuries from food can irritate the throat. Symptoms often improve when the trigger is removed.
– Less common serious conditions: Persistent one-sided pain, particularly alongside earache, a neck lump or unexplained weight loss, can occasionally indicate a more serious condition. These symptoms should be assessed rather than ignored.
I have pain on one side of the throat. What should I do?
If you have pain on one side of your throat, you should drink fluids, rest your voice and monitor your symptoms, while seeking medical advice if the pain is severe, persistent or worsening.
For mild discomfort, try cool or warm drinks and soft foods that are easy to swallow. Avoid smoking and other irritants. You may be able to take paracetamol or ibuprofen if these medicines are suitable for you; follow the packet instructions or ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
Do not try to drain a swollen tonsil or remove material using sharp objects. If your pain is accompanied by a high temperature, significant swelling or difficulty drinking, contact your GP or NHS 111 promptly.
If you cannot swallow saliva, have difficulty breathing, develop swelling inside your mouth or throat, or find it difficult to open your mouth, seek emergency assessment. These can be warning signs of quinsy or another serious problem.
What treatments are recommended for a sore throat?
The recommended treatment for a sore throat depends on its cause, with most mild infections managed through self-care and some bacterial infections requiring antibiotics.
Rest, regular fluids and suitable pain relief can help manage symptoms. Gargling with warm salt water may also soothe discomfort in adults and older children who can gargle safely without swallowing it.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses and are not routinely required for sore throats. A clinician may recommend them when a bacterial infection is sufficiently likely or the risk of complications is higher.
If reflux, allergies or another ongoing condition is responsible, treatment should focus on that cause. Persistent symptoms may require an examination of the throat and, in some cases, an ENT assessment.
When should I see a doctor about pain on one side of the throat?
You should see a doctor if one-sided throat pain is not improving after a week, keeps returning or occurs with other unexplained symptoms.
The NHS recommends medical advice when a sore throat has not improved after a week. You should seek advice sooner if the pain is severe, you have a high temperature, you are becoming dehydrated or you have a weakened immune system.
Arrange a prompt assessment for persistent one-sided pain, particularly if it is associated with earache, a neck lump, a persistent change in your voice or unexplained weight loss.
Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have difficulty breathing or cannot swallow. Call 999 or attend A&E for emergency assessment. Early assessment helps identify the cause and ensures that any condition requiring urgent treatment is not missed.
