Throat Swelling
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I have pharyngeal edema
Swelling of the tonsils
Swelling of the throat is worse on one side
My uvula leaning to one side or the other
Tonsils are stretched
Asymmetric deviation of the uvula
Unilateral tonsillar swelling
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Developed by doctors.
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Content updated on Jan 4, 2023
About the symptom
Throat swelling is referring to the swelling in the back of the throat between the tonsils and the voice box. It can be uncomfortable, causing a sore throat or tightness.
When to see a doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Throat swelling
Possible causes
- Acute tonsillitis / pharyngitis
Infection of the tonsils and pharynx (back of the mouth), either by viruses or bacteria.
Suppurative lymphadenitis
- Retropharyngeal abscess
A retropharyngeal abscess is uncommon but potentially life-threatening. It is an infection that forms behind the back wall of the throat.
- Immunodeficiency syndrome
Related serious diseases
- Acute HIV infection
Acute HIV infection occurs in some individuals during the first 4 weeks after contracting the HIV virus. The virus rapidly attacks the immune cells and causes fevers, headaches, and sometimes a rash. The patient is highly contagious during this time as the viral load is high. Risk factors for transmitting HIV include unprotected sexual activity and contaminated needle stick injuries(e.g., via tattoos or sharing needles). Rarely, it is transmitted through the transfusion of blood products.
- Angioedema
Questions your doctor may ask about this symptom
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom
Do you have throat swelling?
Do you have a fever?
Do you have a cough?
Do you have a runny nose?
Do you have phlegm?
Other Related Symptoms
Similar symptoms or complaints
Symptoms from the same body system / part
Symptoms treated by the same specialty
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD
Obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN)
National Center for Child Health and Development, Japan