What might cause soreness on only one side of the throat?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

One-sided throat soreness may be caused by several conditions, most commonly herpes zoster pharyngitis or a peritonsillar abscess. Other possible causes include tonsillitis, canker sores, post-nasal drip, or swollen lymph nodes on one side.

Because the cause of unilateral throat pain can range from minor to serious, identifying the underlying issue early is important. A peritonsillar abscess, for example, may require prompt medical treatment, while viral causes often resolve on their own. Understanding your symptoms helps you decide whether home care is enough or a doctor's visit is needed.

To get clarity fast, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what's causing your one-sided throat pain and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what causes one-sided throat pain Discover if throat soreness needs care Find out if it could be serious See OTC relief for throat soreness Find a throat specialist near you Understand medically valid sore throat remedies Check one-sided throat symptoms and causes

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Explanation

Soreness on only one side of the throat can happen for a few reasons. One possible cause is herpes zoster pharyngitis, which is a viral infection that can affect the throat. This condition can lead to pain and discomfort on one side as seen in a case study where the virus affected the pharynx.

Another reason for one-sided throat pain could be a peritonsillar abscess. This is a collection of pus near the tonsils and is often caused by bacterial infection. It usually presents with a sore throat on one side, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes fever.

It's important to note that these conditions can be serious and might need medical attention. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, you can use a free symptom checker to help identify possible causes before consulting a healthcare provider.

(References)

Sone M, Mizokami D, Takihata S, Shiotani A, & Araki K. (2024). A Case of Herpes Zoster Pharyngitis. Cureus, 38322054.
Tang SC, Jeng JS, Liu HM, & Yip PK. (2001). Isolated vagus nerve palsy probably associated with .... Acta neurologica Scandinavica, 11551239.
Klug TE. (2017). Peritonsillar abscess: clinical aspects of microbiology, risk .... Danish medical journal, 28260599.

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