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A sore throat on one side can be caused by various factors, including bacterial infections, swollen glands, vocal nodules, dental problems, and environmental irritants. Treatment options range from antibiotics and surgery to home remedies such as hot tea with honey and soothing herbs. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
There are many factors that can cause a sore throat on one side, including abscesses in the throat or tonsils, swollen glands, and infected lymph nodes. Excessive vocalizing, whether shouting, singing, or even talking, can also cause problems. In some cases, dental problems, such as an impacted tooth, may also be linked to one-sided throat pain, as can environmental factors, such as exposure to harsh chemicals.
Medical causes
Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, can cause a sore throat on one side. When bacteria invade the throat, it can cause the tissues to swell and feel sore or irritated. An infection elsewhere in the head, such as in the ear or sinuses, can also lead to a sore throat on one side. Ear infections can irritate the nerves that connect the ear and throat, causing discomfort in both areas. Mucus can drip from the sinuses into the throat when someone has a sinus infection, causing irritation on one side.
The glands and lymph nodes around the throat can become swollen when the body is fighting an infection. Many people develop swollen or tender lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck when they have a cold or the flu. While this is generally a natural response to common illnesses, it can cause pain on one side and difficulty swallowing.
A peritonsillar abscess is a rare condition caused when a bacterial infection develops on a tonsil, usually as a complication of the more common disease, tonsillitis. As the bacterial colony grows, it causes swelling and pus packets on the tonsil, which can lead to severe discomfort on one side. A person with a peritonsillar abscess may have difficulty swallowing and a high fever. This condition is often treated with antibiotics, but the tonsils may need to be drained or removed.
Sore throats caused by minor bacterial and viral infections, such as the common cold, usually resolve on their own. If the infection gets worse or lasts for several weeks, you may need to take antibiotics or antiviral drugs. Usually, once the drug has a chance to work, the sore throat and other symptoms go away.
Vocal nodules
Occasionally, people who use their voice excessively may develop a sore throat on one side. Loud talking or singing for long periods of time can sometimes cause small growths, called nodules, on the vocal cords. While these lumps aren’t cancerous and aren’t considered dangerous, they can cause chronic sore throat and other symptoms, such as hoarseness. Singers, actors, and others who perform at high volumes for extended periods of time are the most common victims of this condition.
Maintaining near silence for several weeks can sometimes allow the pain to subside and the vocal nodules to heal. For artists, this often includes avoiding singing or performing for several weeks and speaking only when absolutely necessary. In some severe cases, surgery to remove the lumps may be the only option to fully treat the condition.
Dental causes
Some people may experience an itchy or sore throat after having dental work done. Sometimes, this is caused by breathing through your mouth during the procedure. Small pieces of debris from the puncture can also cause temporary inflammation in the throat and pain on one or both sides. Most often, sore throat caused by dental work goes away after a few hours; if it persists for several days, it may be a sign of an infection.
Some dental conditions, such as an impacted tooth which is a tooth that cannot break through the gums, can also lead to swelling and pain in the mouth and down one side of the throat. If an impacted tooth is causing irritation, pulling it out may be the only way to get total relief. While this can be an unpleasant procedure, quickly extracting the tooth will help stop symptoms and prevent serious throat and mouth infections from developing.
Environmental factors
Airborne irritants can occasionally be responsible for a sore throat. People with severe allergies may be more prone to respiratory inflammation and may experience pain on one or both sides. Cigarette smoke or inhaling secondhand smoke can also irritate the lining of the throat and cause discomfort. Avoiding exposure to these substances may be the key to reducing symptoms
Relieve pain and discomfort
While treating the underlying cause of a sore throat on one side usually helps get rid of the problem permanently, there are also ways to temporarily reduce throat pain. Some good home remedies include sipping hot tea with honey or using lozenges. Alternative medicine practitioners often recommend soothing herbs, such as slippery elm and chamomile. For pain associated with a cold or bronchitis, some over-the-counter cold medications can help reduce symptoms. If a sore throat on one side persists for several days, gets worse suddenly, or presents with fever or vomiting, people should see a healthcare professional.
