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Sore throat on one side is known to be a common health problem. It is not only irritating but also painful. Anyone suffering from this can face many difficulties in their daily life. For example, facing extreme difficulty in performing basic activities like eating and talking.
The scratchiness and irritation that it produces, especially while swallowing, is just what everyone hates. In most cases, sore throat goes away on its own, but in some cases, it may not.
However, if you are also going through a sore throat on one side, this article is for you. Here we will discuss every essential thing that you should know about a sore throat on one side. Keep reading…
Is Sore Throat On One Side Dangerous?
Well, probably not. Mostly, it’s just a normal health issue that is caused by a flu or cold. It might be painful but there’s no need to worry as it won’t lead to any serious consequences. But, in some cases, it can be a symptom of some other serious diseases.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Sore Throat On One Side?
Apart from flu and cold, there can also be some other major causes of sore throat on one side, which includes:
Tonsillitis
When your Tonsils become infected and start producing inflammation, it is known as Tonsillitis. Tonsils are two lymph nodes that are generally located at the back of your throat. Their main job is to protect your body from any infection. But, when a tonsil gets infected, pain on that side can be experienced.
Symptoms like fever, headache, and difficulty in swallowing can also be seen. In most cases, Tonsillitis get cured on their own. But if they don’t, antibiotic treatment will be required.
Canker Sores
Canker Sores is known as a common type of mouth ulcer. This ulcer can form in many places in your mouth, including:
- Inside of your lips
- Under your tongue
- Top of your mouth
- Back of your throat
If you get a canker sore at the back of your throat, it can result in a sore throat on one side.
This condition will probably get cured within around 2 weeks, so there is no need to worry.
Tooth Infection
A bacterial infection can cause tooth abscess which is generally made up of pus. People with this condition face severe pain. It mainly affects the jawline and the ear of one side. The lymph nodes around your throat can also be infected and further can become a sore throat on one side
Some of the most common signs that appear in this condition are fever, discomfort when chewing food, face and cheek swelling.
Anyone with this condition should reach out to the dentist. They will do the appropriate treatment after analyzing your condition.
Injury To The Throat
Injury to the throat is also another big cause of sore throat on one side. It can occur if someone burns from the liquid food with sharp edges or the hot food.
This condition can probably be cured at home. It’s recommended to gargle with warm salt water as it can help to ease the condition.
Foot, Hand, or Mouth Illness
This is a viral disease that generally causes sores on the hand, feet, and mouth. It can also reach the throat and develop a sore throat.
Children who are under 5 years old are at more risk. Keep in mind that this disease can also spread to adults from children.
It can lead to some consequences like dehydration. Reach out to your doctor ASAP if you are not able to drink water.
However, generally, this health condition is treated with fluids, rest, and medicines to reduce the pain.
Tumors
Tumors have been seen as the cause of sore throat on one side. Tumors’ symptoms don’t come in the form of common illnesses or infections. Following symptoms can occur in this health condition:
- Hoarse voice
- Weight loss in a strange way
- Blood appearing in the saliva
- Noisy breathing
- Continuous Cough
Using Voice Continuously For a Long Period
If you are overusing your voice, there are high chances for lesions to occur. When the lesion is formed on one side, it causes a sore throat.
Anyone with this condition will face the most common symptom which is a change in voice. This condition is not that serious as it can be treated very easily. Vocal therapy or only resting your voice can help in getting relief.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gerd is a health condition that usually causes acid or any other content of the stomach to go back up to the food pipe or throat. When the acid backs up to the throat, it can cause a sore throat on one side. The condition may become worse at night.
Some symptoms like dry cough, burning in the middle of the chest, feeling a lump on the throat, burning in the mouth, etc.
Anyone with this health condition should seek professional help. They will probably recommend you medications. They may also ask you to make some changes to your daily lifestyle.
Sore throat on one side is a condition that gets cured on its own. But still, there are some cases when it becomes a necessity to visit a doctor. If you notice the following signs, visit your doctor.
- Extreme sore throat lasting for more than 7 days
- Drinking or eating becoming difficult
- Trouble in breathing
- Fever
- Puss in the backside of your throat
- Blood in the mouth
- Coughing up the blood
- Pain in the body or joints
- Earache
- Sore throat coming back again and again
What Can You Do At Home To Ease Your Sore Throat On Side?
You can do many things at your home to relieve your sore throat on one side. Here are some of the simplest and most effective ways to help your sore throat at home.
- Stay hydrated – Being dehydrated can worsen your sore throat. Your body won’t be able to make enough saliva to keep the throat lubricated. So, always remember that drinking water is necessary to help your sore throat. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine. Because they can dry the throat and make the inflammation worse.
- Have a steam shower – Breathing in the steam from your hot shower can be very helpful in reducing the effects of sore throat.
- Use Honey – In a Research, it has been shown that honey can help to ease the cough. So, you can consume honey in the tea to help your sore throat. Opting for green tea will be more effective as it contains components that are tremendous for our health.
- Gargle with salty water – Gargling with salty water is known to be one of the most effective remedies to ease a sore throat. Gargle for a few seconds and then spit it out, simple enough, isn’t it? Perform the same activity at least 2-4 times a day.
- Consume Garlic – Garlic contains antiseptic properties that help in fighting the sore throat.
Some Yoga poses are also considered helpful in sore throat. Along with the medications or home remedies, you can include yoga in your daily routine. Check out this article to know more.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
Click here to check some more solutions to ease a sore throat.
Related Questions
Here are some related questions asked by many people. You may also have some in your mind, have a look:
Is My Sore Throat Sign Of Covid-19?
If you have other symptoms like fever, cold, or headache along with a sore throat. Then there are chances you may have Covid-19.
How Long Does a Sore Throat On One Side Last?
Generally, a sore throat on one side will last only for a few days, probably between 3 to 10 days. But if it is caused by an allergy or infection, then it may last longer.
What Is The Fastest Way To Cure a Sore Throat?
Gargling and staying hydrated may help you recover faster. But always remember, your diet also plays a major role. Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
