A sore throat is a common symptom often linked to various conditions. However, when soreness affects only one side of the throat, it can be due to specific causes like swollen lymph nodes or direct injury. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.
Swollen Lymph Nodes — Lymph nodes act as filters, trapping germs like viruses and bacteria. When they swell up in response to infection, they can cause soreness, particularly on one side of the throat. Conditions leading to swollen lymph nodes include colds, flu, strep throat, ear infections, tooth abscesses, mononucleosis, cancer, HIV, skin infections, and inflamed acne.
Postnasal Drip — During nasal congestion, mucus draining down the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip, can irritate and lead to soreness in a specific part of the throat.
Tonsillitis — Inflammation of one or more tonsils, usually caused by a virus or bacterium, can lead to one-sided throat pain. Symptoms also include fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing.
Peritonsillar Abscess — This pus-filled lump near the tonsils can cause intense one-sided throat pain. It may also be accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. Urgent medical care is required, especially in severe cases where breathing is affected.
Injury to the Throat — Injuries, such as burns from hot food or liquid, sharp-edged foods, or endotracheal intubation, can lead to one-sided throat soreness. Gargling with warm salt water may help soothe symptoms from such injuries.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease — GERD causes stomach contents, including acid, to back up into the food pipe and throat. If stomach acid backs up while lying on one side, it can lead to soreness on that side of the throat.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, and Other Sores — This viral illness often affects children under 5 but can also occur in older children and adults. Sores in the back of the mouth or on the sides of the throat can lead to one-sided symptoms.
Vocal Cord Lesions — Overuse or misuse of the voice can lead to lesions on the vocal cords, causing soreness on one side of the throat. Treatment typically involves voice rest and therapy, but some cases may require surgery.
Tumors — Though less common, tumors in the throat or surrounding areas can cause one-sided soreness. Symptoms that accompany tumors, such as blood in saliva and unexplained weight loss, usually differ from those of common infections.
When to Contact a Doctor — It’s crucial to see a doctor if the sore throat is accompanied by symptoms like difficulty eating or drinking, a severe sore throat lasting more than a week, swollen lymph nodes, breathing difficulties, trouble swallowing, fever, pus in the throat, body aches, earache, rash, blood in the mouth, coughing up blood, a neck lump, or recurrent sore throats.
How is swollen tonsillar lymph node treated? Treatment depends on the cause. It may range from painkillers and rest to antibiotics and medical interventions for severe cases.
There are many reasons for feeling soreness in only one side of the throat, including injury, localized infections, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and medical assistance should be sought if symptoms are severe or persistent.
— By Jennifer Berry
