A sore throat typically covers the whole throat, but not always. Sometimes, it may be more prominent on one side instead of the other. When this happens, it may be a good idea to get to the bottom of the issue so it’s easier to get relief. For severe or long-lasting pain, it can be a good idea to seek medical attention to get relief for the sore throat.
Are you wondering why my throat hurts on one side? The following may be a few possible reasons for this including the following.
Dental Issues
Dental issues are a common cause of throat pain. If someone has dental issues, especially around the teeth near the back of the mouth, the pain can radiate from the tooth and end up feeling more like a sore throat. Going to the dentist is necessary to get the pain to go away and to feel better as fast as possible. Along with possible dental work, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help the person feel better faster.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
When someone is sick, their lymph nodes can swell as a result. This can be more prominent on one side of the body, and if the lymph nodes near the throat are swollen, it could cause the person to feel like they have a sore throat. Treating the underlying infection is going to help the swelling go down, which can help get rid of the sore throat so the person feels better. If this doesn’t go away on its own or lasts longer than expected, it may be a good idea to talk to a doctor.
Injury
An injury to the mouth can end up causing a sore throat on one side. For minor injuries, like a cut in the mouth or a burn from hot foods, the person should heal on their own in a few days. If the injury is severe, it is a good idea to seek medical attention to make sure it is healing appropriately. Being careful while eating and avoiding spicy foods or anything that can irritate the injury can help the person heal faster.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis can be a reason why the throat hurts, and if it happens more on one side of the throat than the other, the person may only feel the pain on that side of their throat. If someone suspects they have tonsillitis, they will want to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. Depending on the cause, it may be necessary to take antibiotics to get rid of the tonsillitis and feel better.
Post-Nasal Drip
Those who are sick and have a runny nose may have a sore throat because of the post-nasal drip, especially when they’re sleeping. If someone sleeps on their side, they may feel like their throat is sore more on one side than the other. Sleeping while slightly elevated and taking care of the underlying cold or other illness can help the person feel better.
A sore throat that only hurts on one side can happen for many different reasons. In most cases, it should resolve within a few days. If it doesn’t or the pain is severe, it is a good idea to seek medical attention to make sure there isn’t a more serious concern that needs attention.