What could cause pain when swallowing saliva on one side of the throat?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain when swallowing saliva on one side of the throat, medically known as unilateral odynophagia, can result from several conditions. The most common causes include:

Tonsillitis: Inflammation of one tonsil, often due to viral or bacterial infection.
Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the throat, sometimes affecting one side more than the other.
Peritonsillar abscess: A pus-filled infection near the tonsil that typically causes one-sided pain.
Muscle strain: Overuse or injury to the throat muscles.
Structural issues: Such as a lodged foreign object, ulcer, or in rare cases, a growth.

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment, which may range from rest and hydration to antibiotics or medical intervention.

Because one-sided throat pain has many possible causes—some minor, some requiring prompt care—it's important to understand what your specific symptoms could mean before deciding on next steps. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you narrow down possible causes based on your unique situation, so you can make informed decisions about self-care or seeking a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of throat discomfort Learn if throat discomfort needs care Find out what’s causing your throat discomfort See OTC options for throat discomfort Find a doctor for throat pain Discover home remedies for throat discomfort Understand if throat discomfort is serious

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Understanding the Symptoms

When you experience pain while swallowing, especially if it is localized to one side of the throat, it can be uncomfortable and concerning. This symptom, known as dysphagia, can occur due to various reasons, and it is important to consider accompanying symptoms such as fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Common Causes of Pain on One Side of the Throat

Several conditions can lead to pain when swallowing saliva on one side of the throat:

Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, often due to a viral or bacterial infection, can cause significant pain, especially when swallowing. This pain may be more pronounced on the affected side.
Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx (the back of the throat) can also lead to pain during swallowing. This condition can be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants.
Abscess: A peritonsillar abscess, which is a collection of pus near the tonsils, can cause severe pain on one side of the throat and may lead to difficulty swallowing and opening the mouth.
Muscle Strain: Overuse or strain of the muscles involved in swallowing can lead to localized pain, particularly if you have been coughing or straining your throat.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause irritation and pain in the throat, which may be felt more on one side, especially if there is inflammation.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience persistent pain when swallowing, especially if it is severe, accompanied by other symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the throat, it is important to seek medical attention. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can start by taking a free AI symptom checker assessment to better understand your condition. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

(References)

Chilukuri P, Odufalu F, Hachem C. Dysphagia. Mo Med. 2018 May-Jun;115(3):206-210. PMID: 30228723; PMCID: PMC6140149.
Selvanderan S, Wong S, Holloway R, Kuo P. Dysphagia: clinical evaluation and management. Intern Med J. 2021 Jul;51(7):1021-1027. doi: 10.1111/imj.15409. PMID: 34278699.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.