Unilateral sore throat – what's behind it?

As a rule, unilateral sore throats are harmless. We'll explain to you which signs you should act quickly.

We all know a sore throat when a cold is approaching. But what about a unilateral sore throat, which signs give cause for concern and when does an ENT doctor have to deal with it? We clarify!

Unilateral sore throat with colds

If you have a one-sided sore throat, here's the good news: In the vast majority of cases, the pain occurs as a side effect of a harmless cold. It scratches in the throat, we feel limp, we suffer from swallowing difficulties, the nose runs, the body temperature rises – a common cold passes quickly and, if we allow ourselves enough rest and patiently cure the disease, it is usually harmless. Here you will find the best home remedies for colds. But unilateral sore throats can also be a symptom of serious illnesses.

Sore throat

An acute sore throat, the doctor speaks of a pharyngitis, the layman of a sore throat, can express itself in unilateral pain. The sick person empathizes Itchy throat and suffers from coughing, difficulty swallowing, bad breath and swollen lymph nodes. An inflammation in the throat is a virus-induced infection, but it can become a superinfection if bacteria also accumulate.

Lateral cord angina

Lateral angina (angina lateralis) primarily affects the lymph vessels in the posterior wall of the pharynx. Angina is often a consequence of colds, as the lymphatic system is already weakened and can be more easily colonized by pathogens. If only one of the side cords is affected, the patient suffers from an asymmetrical sore throat. In addition to a sore throat, ear pain is commonwhich can develop into otitis media due to the connection between the ear and throat.

Tonsillitis

If you have tonsillitis, either or both Almonds reddened, swollen and covered with a yellowish-white coating. Those affected complain of unilateral or bilateral sore throats, difficulty swallowing, sometimes fever and pain that can radiate to the ear. Tonsillitis not only urgently require medical treatment because it spreads to other organs, but also because an tonsil abscess can form. Tips for measuring and lowering a fever are available here.

abscess

Sore throat, side cord angina, and tonsillitis can lead to abscesses if the inflammation spreads to nearby tissues. As a result, a collection of pus forms, which is encapsulated, i.e. an abscess. If the abscess has developed behind the tonsils, it is a retrotonsillar abscess. If the abscess is in the connective tissue of the tonsils, it is called an almond abscess or peritonsillar abscess.

The patient suffers from unilateral sore throat, earache, difficulty swallowing and sometimes has difficulty opening the jaw. An abscess urgently needs medical treatment and is opened by the ENT doctor under anesthesia and using antibiotics. A tonsil abscess (peritonsillar abscess) often results in the removal of the tonsils.

Inflammation of the larynx or vocal cords

If you have a sore throat as well as hoarseness, you may have laryngitis or inflammation of the larynx. Laryngitis is caused either by viruses, overuse of the voice or external influences such as smoking or dry air. Now it's time to take care of your voicewhich in plain language means that talking (including whispering!) is absolutely forbidden.

Glandular Pfeiffer fever

Pfeiffer's glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The typical symptoms are similar to those of tonsillitis: Sore throat, problems swallowing, fever, loss of appetite, and enlarged lymph nodes. Absolute bed rest is now the order of the day in order to avoid serious secondary diseases such as otitis media or myocarditis.

Tumors

Tumors in the neck or thyroid gland can cause unilateral sore throats. Particularly with additional symptoms such as hoarseness, coughing up blood and difficulty breathing, extreme caution is required and a doctor's visit is urgently required.

Unilateral sore throat: when is a doctor's visit necessary?

If your sore throat occurs together with a cold, there is no need to worry at first. Your throat wall will quickly recover from the uncomfortable pain. However, if you notice the following symptoms, it is better to make an appointment with the doctor quickly:

  • skin rash
  • Discoloration of the tongue
  • High fever and fatigue
  • Pain that makes it impossible for you to open your mouth
  • Sudden and severe onset of your symptoms
  • Reddened and enlarged tonsils
  • Great difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes on the neck
  • nausea

Even if a sore throat is only a side effect of the common cold in most cases, it is uncomfortable. In addition to prescription drugs, you can also honey and Throat candies help against the sore throat.

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