Sore Throat on One Side

Sore throat on one side can result from viral infection, bacterial infection and tonsillitis as well. Read on to know more about the causes and treatment of sore throat on one side.
Sore Throat on One Side
Sore throat is always a discomforting thing that accompanies pain and scratchiness in the throat. Sore throat can be a major symptom of any disease like pharynx in the region around the tonsils. Sore throat on one side is mainly caused by several sorts of viral as well as bacterial infections. Most people suffer from mild sore throat on one side before the beginning of cold and fever. The second most common cause of sore throat on one side is the strep throat. Strep throat is a medical condition that shows symptoms like white draining patches on throat and fever, with temperature more than 1010F.

Sore Throat on One Side: Causes
There are no definitive causes of sore throat on one side. A person can have sore throat due to critical climate changes and individual immunity. The most significant reason for sore throat on one side is the throat abscess, also called as peritonsillar abscess. It is a condition in which the infection from the tonsillitis is transmitted to the soft tissues of the throat. This infection is common amongst adults but very rare in children and infants. Here are some major causes of sore throat on one side.
  • Viral infection
  • Common cold
  • Chicken pox
  • Cold and flu
  • Measles
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • Pharyngitis
  • Bacterial infection
  • Tonsillitis
  • Strep throat
  • Diphtheria
  • Uvula infection
  • Shouting in loud voice
  • Excessive drinking (alcohol, cold or hot drinks etc.)
  • Foreign substances struck in throat (food, water or bone of fish or meat)
  • Endotracheal intubation
  • Breathing through the mouth
Sore Throat on One Side: Symptoms
Sore throat on one side can have several symptoms that vary according to the cause of the pain and soreness. The most common symptoms of sore throat on one side can be difficulty in swallowing, white pus or patches inside throat, skin rash, vomiting, nausea, severe headache, sharp throat pain, high fever and sore tonsils. In some cases, pain may also spread towards the ears and some people may also suffer from swollen lymph nodes under the jaw as well as the neck. Development of small blisters on the palate and bad breath can also be the symptoms of sore throat on one side. More on sore throat and swollen glands.

Sore Throat on One Side: Treatment
Treatment for sore throat on one side can be provided by the health care provider after proper medical examination. More often than not, sore throat on one side is caused due to viral infection that can be cured by recommended dosage of ibuprofen and paracetamol. Sore throat on one side that is caused due to bacterial infection is often cured by some antibacterial drugs like penicillin and erythromycin. There are several over-the-counter medicines and sprays available that can also prove helpful to get relief from sore throat on one side. More on sore throat remedies and sore throat home remedies.

The most important precautionary measure to take here is visit your ENT surgeon and get proper and early diagnosis done for sore throat on one side. Timely medical intervention can definitely help you get relief from sore throat on one side very soon. Take care!

By Rutuja Jathar
Published: 9/22/2009
 
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