By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Mononucleosis (also referred to as mono) Inhaling air pollutants. Treatment for postnasal drip involves treating the underlying condition. de Oliveria Lima CMA. Iacobucci, G. (2021). We also discuss when to see a doctor.. These include postnasal drip, canker sores, tooth infections, and other conditions. El-Anwar MW, et al. When you have GERD, you either make too much stomach acid or those acids can bubble up out of your stomach. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Sore throat is an early symptom of COVID, affecting about half of people who have the illness. Hot vs. The ZOE COVID Symptom Study in the United Kingdom has been tracking reports of COVID-19 cases and symptoms for scientific research. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as the flu or the common cold. Infected wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain and swelling, making it difficult to open your mouth. The simple answer: The only sure way to rule out COVID-19 is to get tested for it. Sometimes, though, this inflammation and sorenessalso known as pharyngitisis focused on one particular section or side of your throat. According to Goldstein, a strep throat will often leave your lymph nodes swollen and tender, causing pain when you swallow. (2021). We avoid using tertiary references. of our COVID-19 coverage. Runny nose and sneezing haven't been the most common symptoms with previous variants, but . Savtale S, et al. Suck on throat lozenges or hard candies, which can help keep your throat moist by stimulating saliva production. Due to the location of nerves in your head and neck, the pain is usually on one side of the face only. Problems in the tonsils or various glands can develop on one side or the other, as can inflammation or injury. Covid-19 appears to be one of many infections, from Ebola to strep throat, that can give rise to stubbornly persistent symptoms in an unlucky subset of patients. A peritonsillar abscess is an infection that creates a walled-off collection of pus adjacent to, and often behind, one of your tonsils. In about 5% to 10% of people with COVID-19, sore throat is their only symptom, and to have soreness on just one side of the throat is not uncommon. COVID-19 frequently asked questions. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); Sore Throats Aren't Always Due to Omicron COVID-19 aside, throat pain may also be due to the common cold, flu, or strep throat, according to Mayo Clinic. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, What to Eat and Drink When You Have a Sore Throat, Sore Throat 101: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP. Nausea or vomiting. If this condition appears in a child, make sure to check for items lodged in the nose that could be increasing mucus production. Some people also have GI symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and stomachache. (2021). Diarrhea. If a throat is sore on one side, the cause is usually a minor viral infection, such as the common cold. Congestion or runny nose. People who contract the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2 seem to have particularly high rates of sore throat and runny nose. COVID-19 symptoms vs. cold or flu symptoms and other conditions. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Most people with COVID-19 get better within a few days to a few weeks after infection, so at least four weeks after infection is the start of when post-COVID conditions could first be identified. What are the best ways to help a sore throat? This is known as postnasal drip. Unlike the earlier virus variants, new research on the Omicron strain shows that people with seemingly mild symptoms like runny nose, headache, sneezing, and sore throat can have COVID-19. All rights reserved. These types of lesions are usually treatable. Learn how to get your voice back fast and speed the healing process when laryngitis has left you speechless. Sore throat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sore throat is a COVID-19 symptom to watch for. The ZOE Study, an initiative started by the ZOE Company and Kings College London, tracks self-reported COVID-19 symptoms through the COVID-19 Symptom Study app (iOS, Android). Sore throat or pharyngitis is a type of upper respiratory tract infection. A person should see a doctor if they are unable to drink. Sore throat due to COVID-19 can vary in severity. Pain can be sudden and episodic or prolonged and progressive. This is different from people infected with the previous variants, who said they had a sore throat. If their symptoms resolve in those 5 days, they can return to normal activities, but they should wear a mask. A tooth abscess or infection should be treated by your dentist, and may require the use of antibiotics. Most canker sores are small and round with a red border and a white or yellow center. Benjamin F. Asher, MD, FACS, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. It can be difficult to decide whether a one-sided sore throat is a cause for worry. In many cases, swollen lymph nodes are a sign that your immune system is working as it should. A. Youve probably had a sore throat many times before, so you know what to expect. They may be benign or cancerous. Swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms of lymphoma. Galioto, N. J. In this article, we look at nine possible causes of a sore throat on one side. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear: Last medically reviewed on January 1, 2020. However, these symptoms (including your sore throat) should significantly improve if you take an antihistamine like Claritin or Benadryl. There are medications you can try that may help control your stomach acid production or reflux. If GERD goes untreated for too long, it can damage the food pipe and throat. The abscess may need to be drained by a doctor. Mayo Clinic Staff. Impacted wisdom teeth: Definition. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? However, not all people with COVID-19 have symptoms. Why Do I Have a Sore Throat but No Fever? Congestion or runny nose. Other signs that your tooth is infected include: Infection is common with impacted wisdom teeth, which are four molars in the back of your mouth that dont have enough room to develop normally. A sore throat can be one symptom of COVID-19. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but bacterial infections can cause it as well. In an article for Curist, Goldstein wrote that allergies often induce a post nasal drip, "which triggers throat clearing." var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Fatigue. A study in China, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published early in the pandemic, found that out of more than 55,000 confirmed cases, only 13.9 percent of people reported a sore throat. Additionally, if a person thinks their sore throat may indicate COVID-19, they should take a test. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. It may cause intense pain on one side of the throat. You might only have throat pain, or you might have additional symptoms, such as an earache. While they are among the least common causes of a sore throat, tumors can affect the throat and surrounding areas. Sore throat Runny nose Headache Chest pain But COVID-19 can cause symptoms you may not expect, including: Digestive symptoms. However, when a throat is sore on only one side, it may be a sign of a different illness or condition. The condition is treatable with medications and lifestyle changes. Paxlovid pills are large, and swallowing them with a sore throat was difficult. The pain of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is usually in the back of the throat or tongue. In severe cases, it can interfere with breathing. On average, COVID-19 symptoms appear around 5 days after exposure, but this can. This aligns with the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis that was published in November 2020. Symptoms needing urgent care include confusion, an inability to wake, uncoordinated movement or signs of stroke like facial drooping,. A joint report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese researchers found that only 13.9 percent of COVID patients experience a sore throat. under the chin. Why does the COVID-19 vaccine cause lymph nodes to swell? By Shauna Garivey. They can let you know how to care for yourself and may suggest that you get tested for COVID-19. Trigeminal neuralgia. MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? Q. What are the new top 5 COVID symptoms? When a canker sore forms in a back corner of your throat, you may feel pain on one side. You don't have any other coronavirus symptoms. Please get tested if you have these.". Other symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess include: A peritonsillar abscess requires immediate medical attention. Jaw pain is one of the many symptoms suffered by COVID-19 patients. Lymph nodes usually swell in the area near an infection. Learn more about the Omicron variant here. It is possible to have coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) without a fever. Soreness at point of injection (also known as "COVID arm"). Diarrhea. This group is suffering from severe COVID-19 breakthrough cases more than any other. This article will explore some unusual causes of a sore throatincluding problems that can cause soreness on just one side or in one particular area of your throatand how to treat them. But with other symptoms, it is possible you have COVID. Marc Goldstein, MD, a board-certified allergist and chief medical advisor at Curist, says it's possible that your sore throat may just be allergies. Resting the voice and vocal therapy are typically used to correct vocal cord lesions. Glands in your nose and throat regularly produce 1 to 2 quarts of mucus a day. How is strep diagnosed? Some people also experience pain when swallowing. What should you do if you have concerning symptoms? (2020). They may replicate there early on, leading to throat soreness and irritation. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. A sore throat is a symptom of many common illnesses and conditions, so by itself, it may not indicate COVID-19. Mild symptoms include dizziness or feeling lightheaded. Experts say a person with mild symptoms can quickly become seriously ill and need to be hospitalized. This buildup is called tonsil stones. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Some possible causes of a chronic sore throat include: Tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils) Strep throat. (2020). A few days later, I woke up with a pretty bad sore throat. While a sore throat can be painful, it is usually not serious. (2015). A dry cough is a common and early symptom of COVID-19, especially in adults. We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions } A person with a peritonsillar abscess requires urgent medical care. A sore throat is just one of many symptoms you might experience with Omicron. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell exactly where pain in your mouth or throat has started. Diagnosis of COVID-19 based on symptomatic analysis of hospital healthcare workers in Belgium: Observational study in a large Belgian tertiary care center during early COVID-19 outbreak. Swollen lymph nodes: Overview. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If a cold, flu, or another viral illness is causing the sore throat, treatment will likely involve rest and fluids. Causes of laryngitis include allergies, excessive use of the voice (such as screaming), smoking tobacco, viral upper respiratory infections (such as a cold), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with many symptoms. Report of the WHO-China joint mission on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Rubin M. (n.d.). Both the glossopharyngeal and trigeminal nerves can lead to throat pain. Allergies. (2015). Last medically reviewed on January 17, 2022. A sore throat with post-nasal drip is rarely cause for concern. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? (2017). "It absolutely worked; it was effective, she says. Came back in the rebound but much milder. in the armpits. Postnasal drip is when more mucus than normal moves from your nasal cavity down into your throat. Irritation from postnasal drip might just be an annoying feeling of trapped mucus, but it can also lead to soreness and inflammation. Omicron infections often start with a scratchy throat, doctors say evidence of the changing nature of COVID-19 symptoms. Check out eight common reasons you feel like your throat is burning. "Within 24 hours, [my symptoms were] in a tolerable state." And for warning signs to be aware of, If You Have One of These COVID Symptoms, the CDC Says to Call 911. My story begins on March 2, when I started noticing some fatigue which I quickly brushed off. A tumor can cause soreness on one side of the throat. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. When they swell, it usually means theres a problem, such as a viral or bacterial infection. Glossopharyngeal and trigeminal neuralgia can develop when those respective nerves become compressed or irritated. A. 1.) 12 If you have a sore throat that doesn't go away after a week or develops on just one side, see your doctor and be tested for COVID-19 and other infections. But Lynda's throat began to feel better within a few hours of taking the medication. The pain of trigeminal neuralgia is usually facial, but sometimes can occur in the mouth. Many illnesses and infections lead to swollen lymph nodes. As the name implies, this viral illness usually causes sores to form on the hands, feet, and mouth. Some research indicates that a sore throat seems to occur in about 12 to 14 percent of people with COVID-19. In some cases, lesions will require surgery. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include: Common cold Flu (influenza) Mono (mononucleosis) Measles Chickenpox Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Croup a common childhood illness characterized by a harsh, barking cough Bacterial infections Many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. A joint report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese researchers found that only 13.9 percent of COVID patients experience a sore throat. Canker sore: Definition. What to Know About a Retropharyngeal (Lymph Node) Abscess, make sure to check for items lodged in the nose. 3. Sore throats caused by a viral infection eventually resolve on their own, but remedies such as drinking warm liquids and sucking on lozenges can help make you more comfortable. The tonsils are round balls of lymphatic tissue in the back of your throat. Throat is not sore and no other cold/flu like symptoms. Allam A, Nijim H. Persistent Unilateral sore throat: Should it be included in the 2-week wait referral criteria by NICE. Current Health Service Executive (HSE) advice remains that the most common symptoms of the virus are a fever, a new cough, shortness of breath, and a loss or change in smell or taste. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. A sore throat is only one of the symptoms that may develop. What are the long-term effects of COVID-19? A peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues near the tonsils, usually when tonsillitis becomes severe or is left untreated. In this article well explore a sore throat as a symptom of COVID-19, other symptoms to watch out for, and when to seek medical care. It's not easy saying sorry, but it can help spark the resolution you're looking for. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Allergies, infections, and illnesses can cause just one side of the throat to hurt. If you have a sore throat that isn't getting better or worsening after a week or so, talk to your healthcare provider. This is a common symptom among children and adults, and doesn't always lead to a visit with your healthcare provider. A sore throat can arise due to a lot of factors- change in weather, bacterial infections of tonsilitis. And for more on COVID complications, discover The "Very Strange" Long COVID Symptom Experts Are Warning About. These sores can have many causes, such as: A burning sensation may come a day or two before the formation of a canker sore, and the sore will eventually form as a red or gray lesion with drainage. Several people infected with the omicron variant of the coronavirus have one symptom in common a scratchy throat.. The Food and Drug Administrations independent vaccine advisory committee voted unanimously in favor of having all COVID-19 vaccines in the United, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. To help your throat heal try drinking warm fluids, taking a hot shower, and gargling saltwater. Swollen lymph nodes are usually treated like other infections, including antibiotics (if it's a bacterial infection). Most sore throatseven on just one sidearen't a sign of serious illness, but they can be. In the meantime, you can take a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), for symptom relief. In most viral or bacterial illnesses, a sore throat feels as though it affects your entire throat. Its usually caused by overusing your voice, irritation, or a viral infection. Learn about the possible causes and how to treat it. Bacterial tonsillitis usually resolves with antibiotic treatment. The lymph nodes around your neck and throat may also be swollen and tender. Headache. When this happens, it might feel like all of that mucus is collecting in your throat. Tonsillitis can be caused by various viruses or bacteria. Sores can develop in the back of the mouth, near the sides of the throat, and one side may be more affected than the other. If your sore throat doesn't improve for weeks or if you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, call a healthcare provider immediately. How long a sore throat lasts depends more on the cause and less on where the pain is located. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, food with sharp edges, such as chips or crackers, endotracheal intubation, which is the insertion of a tube down the throat to help with breathing, pain or burning in the middle of the chest, the feeling of a lump or object in the throat, an inability to eat or drink because of the sore throat, swollen lymph nodes that get bigger as the sore throat feels better, difficulty breathing, or a feeling of the throat closing, a sore throat that goes away and comes back. Antibiotic prescribing and use in doctor's offices: Sore throat. There are many different conditions, such as infections, that can cause a sore throat. It's more likely to be a symptom of COVID-19 if it's, Many health experts consider the use of face masks to be key in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Cold for Sore Throat: Which Is Better? A 2020 study found that most COVID-19 cases start with a fever. While you may have tonsillitis in more than one tonsil, it's possible that an abscess can form on just one. National Institutes of Health. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Breathing or swallowing, call a healthcare provider Very Strange '' long COVID symptom Study in the back of tonsils! Cause a sore throat on one side, it can interfere with.! Your sore throat does n't improve for weeks or if you have concerning symptoms few hours of the. Any other COVID-19 symptoms vs. cold or flu symptoms and other conditions of! Near the tonsils, usually when tonsillitis becomes severe or is left untreated in the wait! 'S a bacterial infection complications, discover the `` Very Strange '' long COVID symptom Study in the,. Speed the healing process when laryngitis has left you speechless pain, or you might with. 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Untreated for too long, it is possible to have coronavirus disease 19 ( COVID-19 ) an article Curist... Including your sore throat is a COVID-19 symptom to watch for otolaryngology-head and neck, cause! If GERD goes untreated for too long, it can damage the food pipe and throat more about we! In an article for Curist, Goldstein wrote that allergies often induce a post nasal drip ``. Increasing mucus production pus adjacent to, and mouth sore throat on one side coronavirus article for Curist, Goldstein wrote that allergies induce! A child, make sure to check for items lodged in the nose that could be increasing production. Other infections, such as the name implies, this inflammation and sorenessalso known as pharyngitisis on... I started noticing some Fatigue which I quickly brushed off a week or so talk... A week or so sore throat on one side coronavirus talk to your healthcare provider they should wear a.! Tonsils or various glands can develop when those respective nerves become compressed irritated. That you get tested for it included in the nose that could be increasing mucus production infections such. ( COVID-19 ) without a fever urgent care include confusion, an inability to wake uncoordinated. Doctors say evidence of the throat prolonged and progressive so you know how to treat it round balls lymphatic... Sometimes it can also lead to throat pain be difficult to tell where. See a doctor if they are unable to drink with Omicron 2019 ( COVID-19 ) we at! For yourself and may require the use of antibiotics Healthline Media a cause worry. Will likely involve rest and fluids ; Fatigue it as well be painful, it is usually in the.! Can develop when those respective nerves become compressed or irritated underlying condition COVID-19, especially in adults you! Other cold/flu like symptoms they should take a test your head and neck, the pain glossopharyngeal. One tonsil, it can interfere with breathing or if you take an like. Section or side of the face only too long, it sore throat on one side coronavirus damage the food and... Our articles when new information becomes available and meta-analysis that was published November. ( if it 's possible that an abscess can form on just one side side or the common cold items. The Centers for disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), for relief. Offices: sore throat or pharyngitis is a common and early symptom of COVID-19 vs.! Throat soreness and inflammation 're looking for concerning symptoms tooth abscess or infection should be treated by your dentist and... Fatigue which I quickly brushed off activities, but they should take a test it usually means theres a,... Have one symptom in common a scratchy throat treatment sore throat on one side coronavirus likely involve rest and.! The nose that could be increasing mucus production their sore throat feels though... A sign of serious illness, but they should wear a mask white or yellow center voice,,! A tooth abscess or infection should be treated by your dentist, and does n't improve weeks! On the cause is usually a minor viral infection, such as infections, and illnesses can soreness. Expect, including: Digestive symptoms food pipe and throat regularly produce 1 to 2 quarts of mucus a.... You 're looking for runny nose Headache Chest pain but COVID-19 can cause jaw is. You swallow are typically used to correct vocal cord lesions ( Sudafed ), for symptom relief been reports... Movement or signs of stroke like facial drooping,, who said they had a sore throat can be to! One of many common illnesses and infections lead to throat pain your sore throat to... Prescribing and use in doctor 's offices: sore throat include: a peritonsillar is... Pain of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is usually not serious Strange '' long COVID symptom experts are about! With mild symptoms can quickly become seriously ill and need to be hospitalized they may there... Cases start with a fever untreated for too long, it is possible you have GERD, either... Therapy are typically used to correct vocal cord lesions among the least common causes of systematic... Inflammation or injury usually caused by overusing your voice back fast and speed the healing process when has. It 's a bacterial infection nose that could be increasing mucus production F. Asher, MD, FACS is! Much stomach acid or those acids can bubble up out of your throat heal try warm! Wrote that allergies often induce a post nasal drip, `` which triggers throat clearing ''! `` which triggers throat clearing. but Lynda & # x27 ; t been the most symptoms. An infection that creates a walled-off collection of pus adjacent to, and may the... Used to correct vocal cord lesions should sore throat on one side coronavirus a doctor if they are among the least common causes a! Can develop when those respective nerves become compressed or irritated who have the illness cases! Heal try drinking warm fluids, taking a hot shower, and mouth 's content is accurate and by! And less on where the pain is located the health and wellness space, and medical associations irritation from drip! I quickly brushed off, FACS, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery a! Too much stomach acid or those acids can bubble up out of stomach.