Differential Diagnosis for Throat Pain on One Side
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Tonsillitis: This is the most common cause of unilateral throat pain, often accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Peritonsillar abscess: A complication of tonsillitis, characterized by a collection of pus behind the tonsil, causing severe throat pain on one side.
- Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx, which can cause unilateral throat pain, often due to a viral or bacterial infection.
- Dental problems: Tooth abscess, gum infection, or other dental issues can radiate pain to the throat, causing unilateral discomfort.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Epiglottitis: A life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which can cause severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress.
- Retropharyngeal abscess: A rare but potentially deadly condition, where an abscess forms in the tissues at the back of the throat, causing severe pain, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress.
- Carotid artery dissection: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition, where the inner lining of the carotid artery tears, causing severe throat pain, neck pain, and potentially leading to stroke.
- Rare diagnoses
- Eagle syndrome: A rare condition characterized by an elongated styloid process, which can cause unilateral throat pain, often accompanied by difficulty swallowing and neck pain.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause unilateral throat pain, often accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing.
- Oropharyngeal cancer: A rare but potentially deadly condition, where cancer develops in the oropharynx, causing unilateral throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms.