Sharp Pain In Throat When Swallowing On One Side

It would help to promptly investigate sharp pain in throat when swallowing on one side to see the cause. There could be cause for concern, and as we analyze the various conditions, we will see if that is the case.

Any medical issue should require acknowledgment as a reason to investigate, not worry, but seek answers.

The causes of throat diseases can be many, and all of them may not carry any reference to your condition. It is possible to have multiple illnesses at once, but that is very rare.

You may find one disease that applies to you and the treatments you can try. We aim to help those with concerns learn the possible cause, symptoms, and treatments.

We aren’t replacing the doctor’s advice as we recommend that a visit to a physician should be your first choice. This understanding should be clear; what we share is for those who would instead learn about various conditions.

What causes them, the symptoms associated with the said conditions, and treatments.

If this is clear and you understand that you are responsible for your health, we advise a doctor visit for any condition. Now that is clear, here are the diseases or injuries that can cause swallowing.

Sharp Pain In Throat When Swallowing On One Side – The Main Causes

Laryngitis

When the voice box becomes inflamed, it is called laryngitis. The usual causes for this are overuse, infection, and irritation of the vocal cords. The vocal cords are membranes that move to help form sounds in the larynx.

When infected, that movement can increase the pain in the throat.

Symptoms of laryngitis are sore throat, hoarseness, dry cough, and dry throat. Other symptoms are loss of voice, weakness of voice, and a tickling of the throat.

Treatments for this condition are drinking lots of fluids, especially water. Avoid speaking if possible, and avoid the use of decongestants. Other therapies are breathing moist air and keeping the throat moist.

Abscess

An abscess is an infection of the teeth that swells the gum and can cause pus which may cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The disease in the mouth can secrete to the throat and irritate and make swallowing painful.

Symptoms of an abscess are fever, pain in the gum and mouth, and chills. Other symptoms are swelling in the jaw with yellowish pus. In rare conditions, the infection can cause throat pain if the infection spreads.

Treatments for this condition are an intrusion in the abscess to drain the pus and antibiotics. You can place a warm compress on the jaw by the abscess location. It may require painkillers, so that is also an option.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia can cause throat pain and pain in the face’s side. The ears, tonsils, tongue, and jaw are affected as well. A similar condition is a trigeminal neuralgia, but it affects the face primarily.

Symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia are pain when you chew food, making eating difficult. Speaking and swallowing are very uncomfortable as well. Other symptoms are a pain when you laugh or talk.

Treatments for these conditions are anticonvulsant medications to help relieve pain. Other treatments are microvascular decompression surgery which separates the nerve and blood vessel responsible for this condition.

Sharp Pain In Throat When Swallowing On One Side – Other Causes

One may think that any issue with swallowing is simply a sore throat or a mild infection of some sort. However, more severe conditions can be responsible for this present issue.

This understanding will become more evident as we share the known causes of pain in the throat when you swallow; here are more diseases to consider.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small lumps that can appear in various body parts. The most common places are the groin, armpits, and neck. The lymph node swells when it becomes agitated from overworking.

It is responsible for protecting the body against viruses.

A swollen lymph node symptoms are fevers, night sweats, and chills. The lymph node can cause pain in the throat, especially when trying to swallow. You may experience a runny nose and pain in the affected area.

Treatments of this condition are pain relievers, applying a warm compress in the area, and enough rest. You are encouraged to drink lots of water and other healthy fluids.

Canker Sores

Aphthous ulcers, better known as canker sores, are caused by small lesions in the flesh. Acidic foods like citrus cause canker sores, but you need to consume a lot. 

Symptoms of canker sores are the sores themselves that can be sore and painful. The sores can be white or grey with reddish edges. The sores can burn and tingle, especially when you touch them or eat.

Swallowing can be painful due to these sores.

Treatments are the use of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You can use salt water and milk of magnesia to treat the sores. You can use oral steroid medications only when necessary; these can have adverse side effects.

The sores usually go away after a while.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is one of the more known causes of sore throat and problems with swallowing. The tonsils become inflamed and cause the tonsils to swell, making swallowing difficult.

Tonsillitis happens when bacteria or a virus infects the two membranes.

Symptoms of tonsillitis are bad breath, swollen tonsils, scratchy throat, and fever. Other symptoms are a coating on the tonsils lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing. 

Treatments for this condition are lozenges, breathing moist air, drinking lots of water, and gargling warm salt water. Other treatments are painkillers, rest, and the use of the right foods. Some foods help, and others irritate.

Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip can irritate the throat, making swallowing a problem. The glands in your throat and mouth produce mucus every day. The excessive mucus can drip into the throat when it doesn’t drain normally. 

Symptoms of a postnasal drip are excess mucus buildup. They are dripping in the throat and sinuses acting up. Your throat becomes irritated and lumpy. Regular swallowing and clearing of the throat is another sign.

Treatments for this condition are using a vaporizer to help soothe the nasal passage. Other treatments are nasal sprays and saline wash. Particular medicines that help clear the mucus in the head and throat.

Having sharp pain in throat when swallowing on one side must be an uncomfortable experience. Most people eat three times per day, so having an issue with eating can be a struggle.

As you consider the information shared, remember to consider what your physician has to say.