The throat can hurt asymmetrically: a person feels pain only on the right or only on the left, especially when swallowing. Below is what is known about such conditions and how a doctor looks for the cause. Sore throat is a very common complaint, and it is usually not dangerous.
Why the throat hurts on only one side
The throat is the tube that carries food to the esophagus and air to the trachea and larynx; in medicine it is called the pharynx. Inflammation of the pharynx and palatine tonsils can cause sore throat. In tonsillitis, the palatine tonsils become inflamed; tonsillitis can be acute or chronic (chronic tonsillitis).
Most often, sore throat is caused by viruses — a cold or flu — as well as smoking. A bacterial cause is very rare; the list of causes includes laryngitis, tonsillitis, streptococcal throat infection, infectious mononucleosis, and allergy.
Pain on one side when swallowing
Pain when swallowing is the leading symptom: discomfort intensifies when food passes through the inflamed pharynx. It may be accompanied by dryness and tickling, redness deep in the mouth, bad breath, a mild cough, and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. In children the symptoms are similar, but high fever and reduced activity are possible.
Unilateral pain when swallowing is like an imbalance in a stereo system: both channels are present, but one sounds louder. What matters to the doctor is not the side itself but the overall picture of symptoms.
Pain on the right and left: is there a difference
The side of the pain by itself does not point to a specific cause. What matters is the overall picture — redness deep in the mouth and enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
Pain when pressing on the neck may be associated with enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
Sore throat on one side without fever
Causes of sore throat — viruses, smoking, allergy, and others — are not limited to elevated temperature. High fever is a reason to see a doctor.
Usually a sore throat resolves on its own within a week. If unilateral pain persists longer, talking to a doctor stops being a formality.
How the doctor determines the cause
The doctor assesses the symptoms and their combination. If streptococcal infection is suspected, a group A streptococcus test may be performed.
Antibiotics for sore throat are usually not needed: they do not speed recovery or relieve symptoms. They are prescribed only when there is reason to think of a bacterial infection.
Warning signs and when to see a doctor
Some situations require not observation but consultation. Below are reasons to see a doctor.
- sore throat does not ease within a week;
- sore throat recurs frequently;
- there is a feeling of a lump in the mouth or neck, or a mouth ulcer persists for more than three weeks;
- a child under five years of age needs help with a sore throat;
- there is high fever, signs of dehydration (infrequent urination, dark urine), or weakened immunity.
Unilateral sore throat by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if it is difficult to breathe or impossible to swallow, saliva is flowing, a whistling sound is heard on inhalation, or the condition is severe and rapidly worsening.
This material is for reference: it describes possible causes but does not replace a doctor's consultation.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer