### Why Does My Throat Hurt on One Side? Discover Nine Potential Causes and Treatments Experiencing a sore throat on just one side can be uncomfortable and concerning. Here are nine potential causes and their treatments: 1. **Postnasal Drip**: Mucus dripping down the back of your nose can irritate your throat, especially if you sleep on one side. Treat the underlying condition and use decongestants like pseudoephedrine for relief. 2. **Tonsillitis**: Inflammation of the tonsils, often due to infection, can affect one tonsil more than the other. Viral tonsillitis usually clears up on its own, while bacterial tonsillitis may require antibiotics. 3. **Peritonsillar Abscess**: A collection of pus near a tonsil, often a complication of bacterial tonsillitis, requires immediate medical attention. Treatment involves draining the abscess and antibiotics. 4. **Canker Sores**: Small, painful sores in your mouth can cause one-sided throat pain if they form in the back corner of your throat. They usually heal on their own within two weeks. 5. **Swollen Lymph Nodes**: Infections can cause lymph nodes to swell, leading to one-sided throat pain. Consult a doctor if swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. 6. **Nerve Conditions**: Glossopharyngeal and trigeminal neuralgia can cause sudden, severe pain on one side of your face or throat. These conditions are treated with medications for neuropathic pain. 7. **Tooth Abscess**: An infected tooth can cause severe pain radiating to your throat, jaw, and ear on one side. Treatment involves draining the abscess and antibiotics. 8. **Laryngitis**: Inflammation of the voice box can cause one-sided throat pain if one vocal cord is more irritated. Resting your voice usually helps it heal within two weeks. 9. **Tonsil Cancer**: This serious condition often affects one tonsil more than the other, causing one-sided throat pain. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. If your one-sided throat pain persists or worsens, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.