Its likely that you have experienced asore throaton one side at least once in your lifetime.
Most sore throats are brought on by viruses or bacteria and can be managed at home.
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What Is a Sore Throat on One Side?
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In most viral or bacterial illnesses, a sore throat feels as though it affects your entire throat.
Below are conditions that could lead to pain on just one side of your throat.
Mucus production is normal and in most cases, is swallowed with no problem.
Sometimes, however, mucus production increases due to allergies, infections, or other causes.
This is more common in children than adults.
Tonsillitis
There are three pairs oftonsilsin your throat.
These glands help your immune system clear bacteria and other pathogens from your body.
If your tonsilsor even just one of thembecomes enlarged or inflamed, you will know it.
Most abscesses develop from bacteria and pus that remain after an infection in the affected tonsil.
It can also be contracted from surfaces containing the virus, such as doorknobs or toys.
Depending on where the sores develop, this could be felt more on one side than the other.
A blister-like rash can also appear on the hands and feet.
Theres no specific course of treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Most cases will subside within seven to 10 days.
Those infected should take care to stay hydrated and relieve pain and fever with over-the-counter medications.
In many cases,swollen lymph nodesare a sign that your immune system is working as it should.
As bacteria and viruses collect in your lymph nodes, your immune cells work to destroy them.
The collection of too many infectious particles, however, can cause your lymph nodes to swell noticeably.
In some cases, this swelling is painful and can even make it difficult to swallow or breathe.
Swollen lymph nodes are usually treated like other infections, including antibiotics (if its a bacterial infection).
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia and Trigeminal Neuralgia
Glossopharyngealandtrigeminal neuralgiacan develop when those respective nerves become compressed or irritated.
Both the glossopharyngeal and trigeminal nerves can lead to throat pain.
The anatomy of the head and neck is very precise but also extremely limited in space.
Hoarseness and loss of voice may also occur.
These infections typically pass in about a week.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a condition in which acid bubbles up out of the stomach and reaches your throat.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your sore throat has developed alongside other digestive issues or indigestion.
There are medications you’re free to try that may help control your stomach acid production or reflux.
This goes for a sore throat that affects one side or your entire throat.
For sore throats due to bacterial infections,antibiotics are usually prescribed.
Some infections, such as laryngiti,s will go away within a week or two without significant treatment.
Others, such as those because of chemotherapy medications, may not dissipate until those treatments have concluded.
Summary
There are many different conditions, such as infections, that can cause a sore throat.
Not all of these cause soreness in your entire throat.
A one-sided sore throat can be concerning, but most cases arent a sign of serious illness.
If you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek help immediately.
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