Causes and Remedies for Sore Throat On One Side

Sore throats are fairly common, especially during the flu season. They may also be caused by minor allergies or infections. Usually, a sore throat is not a serious life-threatening condition. However, if your throat is sore only on one side, it may indicate something more than a minor allergy or infection.

What Can Cause One Side Throat Pain?

Sore throat on one side may be caused by:

Tonsillitis:

Tonsillitis entails the infection and resultant inflammation of your tonsils. If only one tonsil is affected, it may cause a sore throat on one side. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include congestion, headache, fever, bad breath, and swollen lymph nodes.

Swelling of lymph nodes:

When a lymph node closest to the throat gets infected, it may lead to one-sided throat pain. Other symptoms are tooth abscesses, ear infections, cold or flu, mono, and skin infections.

Peritonsillar abscess:

When tonsillitis is not given adequate medical attention, the tissues near the tonsils develop an abscess. If the abscess is formed on the right side of the throat, then the right side of the throat hurts, and vice versa. This requires immediate medical attention.

Postnasal drip:

This often happens when one has the flu or a cold and the nose is congested. Some amount of fluid or mucus drips back into the throat, known as a post nasal drip. This causes one side of the throat to get irritated and may lead to soreness on one side.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

GERD causes stomach acids to push back up through the food pipe or throat. This may cause the throat to hurt on one side.

Canker Sores:

These painful oral ulcers, often forming at the back corners of the mouth or throat, can result in one-sided discomfort. Treatments include topical anesthetics such as benzocaine.

Tooth Infection or Abscess:

Dental infections (especially in a molar or wisdom tooth) can radiate pain to one side of the throat, often accompanied by jaw or ear pain.

Injury:

If the throat is injured on one side due to scraping from sharp food items or burns from extremely hot liquids, it may lead to a sore throat on one side.

How Long Will I Suffer from One Side Throat Pain?

This depends on why your throat is hurting on one side. If it is due to a minor injury or infection, it should heal within a week. However, if the pain is being caused by a more serious reason, such as a peritonsillar abscess, it may take a long time to clear up.

What Are the Best Medicines to Treat a Sore Throat?

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, diclofenac, and naproxen
• Corticosteroids like prednisone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone
• Antibiotics like amoxicillin
• Cough syrups and lozenges
• Home remedies like herbal teas, honey in warm beverages, and gargling in salt water

Also Read: How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat Quickly and Effectively

However, instead of self-medicating, it is advised to consult a medical professional to rule out the risks of any serious infection.

Do I Need to Consult a Doctor for One Side Throat Pain?

If the soreness persists for more than a week, you should consult a doctor. If you have additional symptoms like difficulty breathing, fever, and coughing up blood, you must consult your healthcare professional immediately.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing, severe pain, or trouble swallowing
• Pus in throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or trismus (“hot potato voice”), suggestive of a peritonsillar abscess (PTA). 
• Hard, fixed lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, may signal serious underlying conditions. 

How Is a Sore Throat Treated?

While most throat aches will get better with simple home remedies, others may need urgent medical attention and a prescription for medication. To avoid deterioration, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and then decide on treatment.

1. Supportive Home Care (Viral or Mild Irritation)

• Salt-water gargles: Mix ¼–½ tsp salt in 8 oz water. 
• Hydration & soothing fluids: Warm teas, popsicles, and hard candy can provide comfort. 
• Pain relief: Use NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or acetaminophen as needed. 
• Corticosteroids: A single low dose (e.g., dexamethasone) may reduce symptom duration in some patients.

2. Bacterial Infections & Complications

• Strep throat or bacterial tonsillitis: Confirm with rapid antigen test (RADT) or culture before prescribing antibiotics. Avoid antibiotics for viral causes. 
• Peritonsillar abscess (PTA): Requires urgent intervention, pus drainage (needle or incision), antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin), fluids, pain relief, and possibly steroids. 
• Oral/Dental abscess: Requires dental or medical treatment, drainage and appropriate antibiotics. 

3. Other Conditions

• Postnasal drip: Treat underlying allergies or sinus issues; decongestants like pseudoephedrine may help symptomatically. 
• GERD / Laryngopharyngeal reflux: Lifestyle modifications (elevate head, avoid late meals); antacids or prescription reflux treatments as needed. 
• Canker sores: Topical anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine) and supportive care aid healing within 2 weeks. 
• Neuralgias: Managed by neurologists, treatment may include anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, etc.) or nerve block therapy.

Also Read: Strategies for Identifying and Treating Severe Sore Throats

How Can I Prevent a Sore Throat?

The easiest way is to take measures against contracting the flu or cold. Make sure you do the following:

• Wash hands frequently; avoid sharing utensils or drinks

• Get annual flu vaccinations

• Identify and mitigate allergies or environmental triggers (dry air, irritants)

• For reflux: maintain healthy weight, avoid eating close to bedtime, elevate head during sleep

Make an Appointment with MI Express Urgent Care Today

If your throat hurts on one side and you wish to consult an expert, you do not need to look further than MI Express Urgent Care in Canton & Ann Arbor, MI. We have a dedicated team of experienced healthcare professionals who will look into your needs and provide precise and effective treatment options. Contact us today!