Why Does My Throat Hurt on One Side?

Allergies, infections, and other illnesses can sometimes produce pain confined to one side of the throat. If the pain is intense or comes with other concerning symptoms, it could signal a more serious issue.

Sore throats vary from mildly annoying to severely painful, and they commonly affect both sides of the throat.

Still, it’s possible to have throat pain limited to one side, often with additional signs or symptoms.

Read on to find out common causes of one-sided throat pain and what to watch for.

Postnasal drip

Postnasal drip occurs when mucus trickles down the back of the nose into the throat. It may feel like mucus pooling in your throat.

Glands in the nasal passages and throat normally produce about 1–2 quarts of mucus each day. When you have an infection or allergies, production rises. Excess mucus that doesn’t drain properly can create an irritating sensation of dripping down the throat.

Postnasal drip often irritates the throat and can produce soreness. You may notice this irritation on only one side, especially after sleeping with your head turned to one side.

Treating postnasal drip means addressing the cause. Meanwhile, a decongestant like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can offer temporary relief.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, usually from an infection.

Your tonsils are two rounded masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat, one on each side behind the tongue. Sometimes only one tonsil becomes inflamed, producing a unilateral sore throat.

Viral infections are the most common cause of tonsillitis, though bacteria can also be responsible. The hallmark symptom is a sore throat, often accompanied by these additional signs:

• fever
• bad breath
• nasal congestion and runny nose
• swollen lymph nodes
• red, enlarged tonsils sometimes with pus spots
• difficulty swallowing
• headache
• abdominal pain
• raw or bleeding areas on the tonsils

Most viral cases resolve on their own within 3–4 days. Pain relief can be achieved with over-the-counter analgesics or home measures like saltwater gargles.

When tonsillitis is bacterial, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for as long as 10 days.

Peritonsillar abscess

A peritonsillar abscess is a localized collection of pus beside, and often behind, one tonsil. It frequently begins as a complication of bacterial tonsillitis and is seen more often in adolescents.

Although it can cause generalized throat pain, the discomfort is typically much worse on the side where the abscess is located.

Other signs of a peritonsillar abscess include:

• difficulty opening the mouth
• fever
• fatigue
• difficulty speaking
• ear pain on the affected side
• bad breath
• drooling
• a soft, muffled voice

This condition needs prompt medical care.

Treatment generally involves draining the pus with a needle or small incision, followed by antibiotics.

Canker sores

Canker sores are small ulcers that appear inside the mouth, such as:

• on the inner cheeks
• on or under the tongue
• inside the lips
• on the roof of the mouth near the back of the throat

They are usually small and round with a red rim and a white or yellow center.

Despite their size, canker sores can be quite painful. When one develops in a rear corner of the throat, it can produce pain that’s felt on a single side.

Most heal by themselves within about 2 weeks. In the meantime, topical OTC treatments like benzocaine (Orabase) or simple home remedies can reduce discomfort.

Swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes assist the body in fighting infection. When they enlarge, it usually signals an underlying issue such as a viral or bacterial infection.

Nodes typically enlarge near the site of infection. For instance, strep throat can cause swelling of neck lymph nodes. Occasionally only one node becomes enlarged, leading to pain on one side of the throat.

Rarely, persistent swollen nodes can point to more serious conditions like cancer or HIV. See a doctor if you experience any of the following with enlarged nodes:

• nodes swollen for more than 2 weeks
• unexplained weight loss
• night sweats
• fevers that persist
• fatigue
• nodes that are hard, fixed, or rapidly enlarging
• swollen nodes near the collarbone or lower neck
• red or inflamed skin over the nodes
• difficulty breathing

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia (sometimes called tic douloureux) are uncommon nerve disorders.

They can produce sudden, recurrent, and severe pain around areas such as the:

• ear canal
• tongue
• tonsils
• jaw
• side of the face

Because of how the cranial nerves are distributed, the pain is usually one-sided.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia typically causes pain in the back of the throat or tongue. Swallowing often triggers it, and episodes usually last from a few seconds up to 2 minutes. A lingering dull ache may follow the sharp pain.

Trigeminal neuralgia usually affects the face but can sometimes involve the mouth. Pain may come on suddenly in brief attacks or may be longer-lasting. Simple actions like touching the face, eating, or a breeze can provoke an episode.

These conditions are commonly managed with medications aimed at neuropathic pain, such as:

• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• gabapentin (Neurontin)
• pregabalin (Lyrica)

Tooth abscess or infection

A tooth abscess is a confined pocket of pus due to a bacterial infection, forming at the tip of a tooth root. It can produce severe pain that extends to the jaw and ear on one side. Neck and throat lymph nodes may be tender and swollen.

Other signs your tooth may be infected include:

• sensitivity to hot or cold
• pain when chewing
• fever
• difficulty swallowing
• swelling in the face or cheek
• tender, enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck

Impacted wisdom teeth commonly become infected. If wisdom teeth are problematic, a dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for removal.

Treatment for an abscess may involve an incision to drain the pus and a course of antibiotics.

Tooth abscess vs. TMJ dysfunction

A dental abscess can be mistaken for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder since both cause jaw and tooth pain. TMJ problems sometimes affect only one side and can produce throat-related symptoms.

See a clinician for an accurate diagnosis so you receive the right treatment.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx), most often caused by voice overuse, irritation, or a viral infection.

The larynx contains two vocal cords that normally move smoothly to produce sound. When these cords become inflamed or irritated, you may experience pain and notice voice changes. If one cord is more inflamed than the other, you might feel throat pain on a single side.

Other laryngitis symptoms include:

• hoarseness
• loss of voice
• a tickling feeling in the throat
• rawness
• dry cough
• dry throat

Laryngitis commonly improves within about 2 weeks, and resting your voice is recommended during recovery.

Tonsil cancer

Tonsil cancer is the most frequent malignancy of the throat area. These cancers are often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) and occur more commonly in men.

While both tonsils can be affected, cancer most often involves just one, producing a notably larger tonsil and possibly causing one-sided throat pain.

Other signs of tonsil cancer include:

• ear pain on one side
• a lump sensation in the throat
• unexpected weight loss
• painful or difficult swallowing
• lockjaw

Diagnosis involves a physical exam, imaging studies, and biopsy. Depending on the case, treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

When to contact a doctor

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections like colds or the flu. However, occasionally throat pain signals a more serious condition. Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• high fever
• trouble breathing
• inability to swallow food or liquids
• severe, intolerable pain
• abnormal high-pitched breathing sounds (stridor)
• rapid heart rate
• symptoms of an allergic reaction

If one-sided throat pain persists for several days, consult your doctor to determine the cause. They may recommend antibiotics or OTC measures to ease pain and other symptoms.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you stop a sore throat on one side?

Treatment depends on the cause, but options can include:

• home remedies like honey, saltwater gargles, or herbal teas
• OTC medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or throat lozenges
• medical therapies like radiation or chemotherapy when indicated
• surgical interventions, such as tooth extraction when dental issues are causal

How long does a one-sided sore throat last?

Duration varies by cause. A sore throat from a common cold may improve within about 1 week, whereas pain related to tonsil cancer depends on treatment. Some causes can produce pain that persists for weeks, months, or longer until successfully treated.

Takeaway

Throat pain can be diffuse or confined to one side. Causes range from common, benign problems to conditions that require urgent medical attention.

See a healthcare provider if one-sided throat pain lasts, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms so the appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be provided.