Unilateral Throat Pain: Causes and Concerns

Q: Unilateral Throat Pain: Causes and Concerns

Hello： It is common for unilateral tonsillitis to cause throat pain. <br>If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. <br>Additionally, throat itching is often associated with post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal

Unilateral sore throat?

Hello, Doctor.
About a month ago, I started experiencing mild nausea after eating, although I have not actually vomited.
At that time, I had no discomfort in my throat, gastrointestinal tract, or abdomen, and my appetite was quite good.
I have already visited a nearby ENT clinic, and after taking medication for about nine days over three courses, I no longer feel nauseous.
The doctor suggested it might be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
During the third course, the doctor prescribed antibiotics for me.
However, after finishing the medication on the third day, I woke up the next morning (yesterday) to find that the upper left side of my throat (where I can feel my pulse) was painful.
Swallowing is not difficult, but it does hurt, and drinking water also causes pain.
After immediately visiting the clinic, the doctor indicated that my tonsils were slightly infected.
The diagnosis on the prescription stated acute laryngitis.
However, I have researched online and found that many doctors are quite concerned about unilateral tonsillitis, as it usually occurs bilaterally, and unilateral cases might indicate a more serious issue.
Nevertheless, the clinic doctor did not suggest that I go to a larger hospital, and he was aware that the pain was on the left side.
Isn't the location of the tonsils easily visible? I would like to ask if that area is indeed the tonsils or if it could be lymph nodes.
I have checked the location of the tonsils, and it seems to be above the throat; I can even touch them with my tongue when I extend it back, and I can see them when I open my mouth.
However, the pain does not seem to originate from that area, and it does not feel swollen.
When I used a flashlight to look at both sides, they also did not appear swollen.
However, I can feel a slight swelling in the area below the left side of my throat where I can feel my pulse, and it does hurt when pressed lightly.
I would like to know what might be causing this.
Since there is only one other hospital nearby, I do not want to waste medical resources or cause inconvenience to doctors for a minor issue.
Doctor, is my symptom unilateral tonsillitis, or am I just overthinking it? Is it simply that the tonsillitis is causing the left throat pain? Additionally, I would like to ask about my throat frequently feeling itchy or having a sensation of a layer of mucus sticking to it, which is particularly uncomfortable.
I often feel the urge to lick my throat with my tongue (usually on the left side, which seems to be where the tonsils are) to alleviate the discomfort, but it does not cause pain or coughing; I do not have a fever, and it is simply unbearable itching in my throat.
Furthermore, when I wake up, my throat feels very dry every day.
Since I do not feel it is a serious issue, I often go to the pharmacy to buy over-the-counter medications, and I have tried almost all allergy medications and cold medicines.
They do help, but the symptoms still recur after a while.
(I have allergic rhinitis.) Is this frequent tonsillitis, or could it be due to other reasons? Here is the prescription from the clinic: Paran 500mg, Cimetidine Tab (Cimetid), Konaton Tab 500mg, Cephalexin 500mg, Lysozyme Tab 50mg.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/19

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: It is common for unilateral tonsillitis to cause throat pain.
If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.
Additionally, throat itching is often associated with post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux.
You may consider visiting an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist for further examination.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/08/19

More Info

Unilateral throat pain can be concerning, especially when it presents alongside symptoms like nausea and a history of gastrointestinal issues. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced a progression of symptoms that began with a sensation of nausea after eating, which was later diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Following this, you developed unilateral throat pain, which your doctor attributed to acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis.

The concern regarding unilateral tonsillitis is valid, as it can sometimes indicate more serious conditions, such as a peritonsillar abscess or even malignancy, particularly if the pain is severe and persistent. However, it is also important to note that unilateral tonsillitis can occur and is not always indicative of a severe underlying issue. The tonsils are located at the back of the throat and can become inflamed due to infections, which may be viral or bacterial in nature.
Your symptoms of pain on the left side of your throat, particularly when swallowing, suggest that the left tonsil may indeed be involved. The fact that you can feel a pulse in that area and experience tenderness upon palpation could indicate localized inflammation or swelling. It is also possible that the pain is referred from another area, such as the cervical lymph nodes, which can become reactive due to infections.

The medications prescribed to you, including antibiotics (Cephalexin), are appropriate for bacterial infections, while Cimetidine is used to reduce stomach acid and help with GERD symptoms. The use of anti-inflammatory medications may also help alleviate throat pain.

Regarding your concerns about the nature of the pain and whether it is due to tonsillitis or lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), it is essential to consider a few factors:
1. Physical Examination: A thorough examination by an ENT specialist could provide clarity. They can visually inspect the tonsils and surrounding structures to determine if there is significant swelling or other abnormalities.

2. Symptoms Duration: If the pain persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or significant difficulty swallowing, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation.

3. Chronic Symptoms: Your history of allergic rhinitis and recurrent throat discomfort may suggest that your throat issues could be exacerbated by allergies or environmental factors. Allergies can lead to post-nasal drip, which can irritate the throat and cause discomfort.

4. Follow-Up Care: If your symptoms do not improve with the current treatment or if you experience recurrent episodes, consider a follow-up visit to discuss further diagnostic options, such as imaging studies or referral to a specialist.

In summary, while unilateral throat pain can be alarming, it is often manageable with appropriate medical care. Your current treatment seems to be on the right track, but close monitoring of your symptoms is essential. If you have any doubts or if your condition changes, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns.

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