Your throat includes several parts of your body from your tonsils to your esophagus. The act of swallowing occurs in three different stages, in the: Show
One-sided pain when swallowing may occur in or near any of these parts of your body. Here are some conditions (both common and uncommon) that may be causing your discomfort: Acid reflux from gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (airway reflux)Reflux can cause more than just indigestion. It can cause a burning or painful sensation in your throat and even an irritating postnasal drip. Ear pain can also occur from reflux. Reflux is a common condition that may occur infrequently or more often depending on several factors, including:
Postnasal dripOur bodies process mucus and saliva like clockwork, but there may be reasons postnasal drip increases or becomes noticeable, leading to painful swallowing. Reflux, viruses, allergies, and even certain foods can cause pain or swelling in the throat and possibly increased production of mucus and saliva. This may prompt you to experience pain while swallowing. Swollen lymph nodesYou have many lymph nodes in your head and neck. If they become swollen, you may experience swallowing discomfort. Swollen lymph nodes can occur if you have a virus or bacterial infection, or even a tooth abscess or another health condition that compromises your immune system. LaryngitisStrain in your vocal cords is known as laryngitis. You may sound hoarse and experience discomfort in your throat. You may be susceptible to laryngitis if you have a virus or bacterial infection or use your voice frequently, among other causes. TonsillitisYour tonsils may be infected, causing pain when you swallow. Children and teens most often have tonsillitis. Swollen lymph nodes can also occur with tonsillitis. You may experience tonsillitis because of a virus or bacterial infection. Canker sorePain when swallowing may be caused by irritation in your mouth caused by a canker sore. These are ulcers that appear anywhere in your mouth for a week or even longer. You may experience one because of your diet, mouth trauma, stress, or bacteria, among other causes. Abscessed or impacted toothPoor dental health may lead to swallowing pain. Ignoring cavities can result in abscesses. Abscesses can lead to pain in your neck, jaw, and ear and cause swallowing problems. You may feel these symptoms just on the side with the infected tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can affect your jaw. They may also lead to a cyst developing on one side of your mouth. This could interfere with swallowing. Wisdom teeth become impacted when they cannot grow in as a normal set of molars. Instead, they stay below the gums’ surface. If you don’t have dental insurance, click here to find resources for low-cost dental care in your area. EpiglottitisEpiglottitis may cause pain in your throat and difficulty swallowing. It requires immediate medical treatment. This condition occurs when the flap in your throat becomes damaged from trauma, a burn, or an infection and restricts air to your lungs. You may also have symptoms like:
Glossopharyngeal neuralgiaPain on one side of your throat after swallowing could be the result of nerve pain from glossopharyngeal neuralgia. This condition can occur on one side in the ears, back of the tongue, tonsil, or in the jaw. This is a rare condition that can cause attacks of sudden and severe pain. You can have several of these attacks throughout days and weeks. Swallowing may trigger the pain. Mouth, throat, or esophageal cancerThese types of cancer can cause pain when you swallow. You may have an earache or a lump in your neck if you have throat cancer causing one-sided pain. Mouth cancer can cause painful swallowing as well as pain in your jaw and sores or lumps in your mouth. Esophageal cancer may lead to painful swallowing as well as reflux. This symptom may be caused by several conditions, all which require different treatments:
You should always seek a doctor if you experience life-threatening symptoms such as:
See a doctor for less severe symptoms if they don’t clear up in the expected amount of time or if they get worse. Ignoring symptoms may lead to more significant health concerns, so don’t delay a diagnosis. A doctor will:
Several conditions may contribute to pain on one side of your throat when swallowing. Consider your other symptoms to determine what might be causing the swallowing discomfort. Some conditions may require immediate medical care, while others may be treated with home-based remedies and rest. Talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about your symptoms. How do I get rid of my throat hurting when I swallow?Sore Throat Relief. Try hot tea with lemon or some hot soup.. Keep your throat moist with lozenges or hard candies.. Gargle with warm salt water or use ice chips.. Cold liquids or popsicles can numb the pain. Throat sprays and over-the-counter pain relievers can help, too.. What does it mean when your throat hurts when you swallow in the morning?Acid reflux.
This is a digestive disorder that happens when your stomach acid comes back up your esophagus into your throat. The medical term for it is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other symptoms can include heartburn, a hoarse voice, or a sore throat that feels lumpy when you wake up in the morning.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a sore throat?Lifestyle and home remedies. Rest. Get plenty of sleep. ... . Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. ... . Try comforting foods and beverage. ... . Gargle with saltwater. ... . Humidify the air. ... . Consider lozenges or hard candy. ... . Avoid irritants. ... . Stay at home until you're no longer sick.. |