What could cause unilateral tonsil swelling accompanied by pain?

Unilateral tonsil swelling, which means only one tonsil is enlarged, can be caused by various conditions. According to the medical literature, one possible cause is an infection. For example, Reference 3 discusses a case where primary syphilis led to unilateral tonsillitis, causing one tonsil to swell and become painful. This shows that infections, even those that are not commonly associated with the tonsils, can cause this condition.

Another cause of unilateral tonsil swelling mentioned in Reference 2 is an unusual condition, which implies that there are less common or rare reasons for this symptom. Reference 1 also highlights the importance of considering different causes for unilateral tonsillar enlargement, suggesting that a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to identify the exact cause.

In summary, if someone experiences swelling and pain in one tonsil, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. You can start by taking a free AI symptom checker assessment to help identify potential causes of your symptoms before consulting with a healthcare provider.