Sore Throat on One Side? | ENT Gangnam Seoul

Common causes of one-sided throat pain

Most sore throats affect both sides, but it is common for one side to feel worse. A sore throat felt mainly on one side has several typical explanations.

Tonsillitis affecting one tonsil more than the other
Postnasal drip from one side of the nose, for example with one-sided sinusitis
Swollen lymph node in the neck reacting to an infection
Sleeping position: mouth breathing while lying on one side can dry that side
Dental problems: an infected lower wisdom tooth or gum inflammation
Ear conditions: ear and throat share nerves, so pain can be felt in both
Canker sores or small injuries from sharp foods such as fish bones
Reflux irritating one side more

The serious causes to rule out

Peritonsillar abscess

A peritonsillar abscess causes severe, worsening one-sided pain, difficulty opening the mouth, a muffled voice, drooling, and fever. This needs urgent treatment.

Foreign body

A fish bone stuck in the tonsil or tongue base causes sharp, localized pain when swallowing, starting right after a meal. Korean dishes with small fish bones are a common cause. An ENT can locate and remove it with a scope.

Persistent one-sided pain or a lump

One-sided throat pain lasting more than three weeks, especially with ear pain, a neck lump, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing, should be examined. In smokers and heavy drinkers this is particularly important, because tumors of the throat often begin on one side.

Red flags needing prompt care

Difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva
Trismus (cannot open your mouth fully)
A swelling in the neck that is growing
One tonsil much larger than the other
Coughing up blood
Pain lasting more than three weeks

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former Yonsei clinical assistant professor who treats the full range of ear, nose, and throat conditions, examines the mouth, tonsils, neck, and ears. A laryngoscopy allows him to see areas that cannot be viewed through the mouth, such as the tongue base and voice box, where fish bones and other lesions can hide. If postnasal drip is suspected, a nasal endoscopy can check one-sided sinus drainage.

Treatment depends on the cause: removing a foreign body, treating tonsillitis, draining an abscess when stable, treating sinusitis or reflux, or referring to a dentist for a tooth problem. Persistent unexplained findings are investigated further.

What you can do now

Gargle with warm salt water and drink fluids
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed
Do not try to dislodge a suspected fish bone by swallowing rice or bread, which can push it deeper

English consultations are available near Gangnam-gu Office Station; see location and hours. Related: signs of a peritonsillar abscess and when a sore throat needs a doctor.

Why does my ear hurt when my throat is sore on one side?

The throat and ear share nerve pathways, so pain from a tonsil or the back of the throat is often felt in the ear on the same side. This referred ear pain is common with tonsillitis, an abscess, or after tonsil surgery.

What should I do if a fish bone is stuck in my throat?

Stop eating and avoid swallowing rice, bread, or vinegar to push it down, as this can lodge it deeper. If pain persists, see an ENT, who can locate and remove the bone using a scope, usually in the clinic.

Is a sore throat on one side a sign of cancer?

Most one-sided sore throats are caused by infections, postnasal drip, or minor injuries. However, one-sided pain lasting more than three weeks, especially with a neck lump, ear pain, or hoarseness, should be examined promptly.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Why Is My Throat Sore on Only One Side? An ENT in Gangnam, Seoul Explains