Sure, a sore throat can be annoying. But when your throat pain won't let up, it could be a sign of a serious problem — one you should have checked out. Show
By Diana RodriguezMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD Reviewed: May 14, 2020 Medically Reviewed When you wake up in the morning and notice that a sore throat has come back — again — don't just grab the lozenges and ignore it. If you have persistent throat pain, your body could be trying to tell you that something is wrong, and it's a good idea to see your doctor for a diagnosis. "It's likely a viral or bacterial infection," says Toribio Flores, MD, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for the Cleveland Clinic's Head and Neck Institute at Independence Health Center in Ohio. A sore throat can take many forms — it can be scratchy or itchy, burn, or cause painful swallowing. Many times a sore throat is accompanied by a pesky cough which can irritate the tender throat even more. Many common colds and viruses can cause a sore throat that typically subsides within a few days. But when a sore throat persists and you can't find relief, it's something to take seriously. Some possible causes of a chronic sore throat include: Some of these conditions, like the flu, may be fairly minor and not require treatment, while strep throat and tonsillitis can turn into serious health problems if left untreated. "The 'run of the mill' strep throat and tonsillitis are more often seen by primary care physicians," says Dr. Flores. "ENTs see the more complicated cases that don't respond to standard treatment. Many of these people have infectious mononucleosis, or eventually need tonsillectomies." In addition, Flores notes that persistent throat pain on one side — or that feels worse on one side — may indicate a bacterial infection that usually begins as a complication of tonsillitis or untreated strep throat (peritonsillar abscess). In some cases, the pain may indicate an advanced tumor. "A sore throat accompanied by a swollen neck gland should be seen by a physician soon," says Flores. Other causes of a chronic sore throat, like smoking, are problems that you can control to alleviate your throat pain. The Best Ways to Treat a Sore ThroatTo successfully treat a sore throat, you have to know what's causing it. Bacterial infections like strep throat need treatment with antibiotics. It's crucial that you receive treatment for strep and don't let it continue. This bacterial infection can lead to rheumatic fever, which can cause permanent heart damage. A simple course of antibiotics (remember to take them all) can keep strep throat from becoming a serious problem. Viral infections, like influenza, may be treated with antiviral medication, but most do not require any treatment at all. If you have allergies that are causing a chronic sore throat (through postnasal drip), your doctor may prescribe a medication to control allergy symptoms, such as nasal corticosteroids like Flonase (fluticasone). You can also find ways to avoid those allergens (often things like mold, pet dander, or pollen) to alleviate your throat pain and other symptoms. RELATED: How Long Does a Cold or the Flu Last? Finding Relief From Throat PainNo matter what's causing a sore throat, you can take steps at home to soothe an itchy, scratchy, painful throat. Try these tips to relieve throat pain at home:
It can be hard to pinpoint the cause of a sore throat, but if it doesn't get any better, you can be sure there's some reason for it. "If the sore throat is accompanied by very severe pain on swallowing along with a high fever, it's best to see a healthcare provider right away," says Flores. See your doctor, figure out the cause, and decide on treatments and remedies that best fit your diagnosis. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter!Enter your email By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Ear, Nose & ThroatGood sinus health can help prevent infection. Get easy-to-practice tips for avoiding common sinus problems. Signs and Symptoms of Nasal PolypsCongestion, loss of taste and smell, cough, and postnasal drip are only a handful of the symptoms you may encounter with nasal polyps. Is It Nasal Polyps or Something Else?From nasal congestion to loss of taste and smell, nasal polyps can resemble many other sinus conditions. How do you know which condition you have? By Lauren BedoskyDecember 14, 2022What Are the Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps?These small growths inside the nose and sinuses can cause congestion, loss of smell and taste, postnasal drip, and other trouble. Here, experts explain... By Lauren BedoskyDecember 14, 2022What Are Nasal Polyps? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Becky UphamApril 19, 2022Life, Amplified: Karrie Aitken's StoryBy October 8, 2021What Is Dysphagia, or Difficulty Swallowing?If swallowing has become difficult, you could have dysphagia — and you may need to seek treatment so you can swallow without pain. By Julie MarksAugust 26, 2021Nosebleed for No Reason? Here Are Some Possible CausesWhen an adult has a nosebleed for no apparent reason, it could be related to medications, health conditions, or simply dry air. Why is my throat hurting on the left?Many things can cause a sore throat on one side, even if you don't have tonsils. These include post-nasal drip, canker sores, tooth infections, and other conditions. You might only have throat pain, or you might have additional symptoms, such as an earache.
How do you relieve a sore throat on the left side?6 At-Home Remedies to Ease Your Sore Throat. Gargling with Salt Water. ... . Honey For a Sore Throat. ... . Lemon to Boost The Immune System. ... . Hot Sauce for Quick Pain Relief. ... . Best Type of Tea for a Sore Throat. ... . Humidifier to Open the Sinuses.. What can cause a sore throat on one side?Let's take a look at eleven potential causes of a sore throat on one side.. Postnasal drip. During nasal congestion, mucus and fluid drain down the backside of the throat. ... . Swollen lymph nodes. ... . Tonsillitis. ... . A tooth abscess or infection. ... . Throat injury. ... . GERD. ... . Peritonsillar abscess. ... . Hand, foot, and mouth disease.. |