SORE THROAT ON ONE SIDE What's the story behind it?

A painful throat on one side is usually innocuous. However, we will explain to you which symptoms indicate that you should move promptly.

When a cold is on the way, we all know what it's like to have a sore throat. But what exactly is a one-sided sore throat, what symptoms should you be concerned about, and when should you see an ENT? We'll explain everything!

Colds and one-sided sore throat

Here's the good news if you have a sore throat on one side: In the vast majority of cases, the pain is a harmless cold's side effect. A common cold causes a scratchy throat, weakness, difficulty swallowing, a runny nose, and a rise in body temperature; nevertheless, if we allow ourselves enough rest and slowly cure the condition, the cold will pass swiftly and be harmless. The finest home cures for colds may be found here. However, a sore throat that is only on one side is a problem.

Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis, often known as pharyngitis by doctors and sore throat by laypeople, can cause pain on one side of the throat. Coughing, difficulty swallowing, poor breath, and swollen lymph nodes are all symptoms of scratching in the throat. Inflammation of the throat is a virus infection that can turn into a superinfection if bacteria proliferate.

Trangangina lateralis

The lymphatics in the lateral posterior pharyngeal wall are most impacted in lateral gangrene (angina lateralis). Colds frequently result in angina because the lymphatics are already weaker and more easily colonized by microorganisms. The patient has asymmetric painful throat if only one of the lateral cords is affected. Due to the connection between the ear and the throat, a painful throat is frequently accompanied by an earache, which can progress to a middle ear infection.

Tonsillitis 

In tonsillitis, one or both tonsils are red, swollen, and covered with a yellowish-white coating. Those affected complain of sore throat on one or both sides, difficulty swallowing, sometimes fever, and pain that can radiate to the ear. Tonsillitis requires urgent medical attention not only because it spreads to other organs, but also because a tonsillar abscess can form. Tips on how to take a temperature and lower a fever can be found here. 

Abscess 

Pharyngitis, angina of the lateral cords, and tonsillitis can lead to abscesses when the inflammation spreads to adjacent tissues. As a result, a collection of pus forms and becomes encapsulated, i.e. an abscess. If the abscess has developed behind the tonsils, it is a retrotonsillar abscess. If the abscess is located in the connective tissue of the tonsils, it is called a tonsillar abscess or peritonsillar abscess. 

The patient suffers from unilateral sore throat, earache, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes has difficulty opening the jaw. An abscess requires urgent medical attention and is opened by an ENT physician under anesthesia and the use of antibiotics. A tonsil abscess (peritonsillar abscess) often results in the removal of the tonsils. 

Laryngitis or vocal cord inflammation 

If hoarseness occurs in addition to a sore throat, you could be suffering from laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx or vocal cords). Laryngitis is triggered either by viruses, overuse of the voice, or external influences such as smoking or dry air. Now it is time to take care of your voice, which means that talking (even whispering!) is absolutely forbidden. 

Pfeiffer's glandular fever is a type of glandular fever caused by Pfeiffer's

The Epstein-Barr virus causes Pfeiffer's glandular fever. Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms, which are comparable to tonsillitis. To avoid dangerous secondary infections such as otitis media or myocarditis, complete bed rest is now required.

Tumors

A unilateral sore throat can be caused by tumors in the area of the throat or thyroid gland. Particularly if you have other symptoms like hoarseness, blood in your cough, or difficulty breathing, you should exercise extreme caution and see a doctor every once.

When is a doctor's visit necessary for a unilateral sore throat?

There's no reason to be concerned if your sore throat is accompanied by cold at first. The painful ache in your throat wall will fade rapidly. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible:

• Rash
• Tongue discoloration is a condition in which the tongue becomes discolored.
• High temperature and exhaustion make it difficult to open your mouth.
• The start of your symptoms was sudden and intense.
• Tonsils that are reddened and swollen
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck cause trouble swallowing.
• Nausea