WTF? I have a monster sore throat but only on one side. Why?!

[GreySuitsAndBeetroots]

Genuinely feels like I have swallowed a dried thistle head on one side, seriously painful. The other side is fine. The pain is from my throat and all down the one side of my neck.

Can't see any pus spots so I don't think it is tonsilitis. Any ideas and if so is it a ride it out with painkillers and cups of tea or need antibiotics situation?

[PollytheDolly]

This started today?

Before babies (they cured this) I had recurrent episodes of pus tonsils and needed antibiotics and it always started one side.

[GreySuitsAndBeetroots]

Started yesterday, definitely worse today
Maybe if it is still v painful tomorrow afternoon I might pop to the doc then or Friday?
I don't want to waste their time though

[Itsnottheendoftheworld]

I always get a sore throat at one side. hurt even to swallow at one side. Took 6 whole weeks to fully clear. Was really bad for about 2 weeks.

[GreySuitsAndBeetroots]

Two weeks?!

[PinkCrystal]

I've had it and it was tonsilitis. The white pus became visible a few days later. Neck and glands swollen. May need to check at docs in case it is quinsy

[Itmustbemyage]

Could it be an allergic reaction to something you have eaten or drunk? I have mild food allergies, which developed over a short period of time when I was in my twenties. If I unknowingly eat something that triggers a reaction I get a bad, one sided sore throat.
You probably already know that most normal sore throats are caused by viruses and it is only if you go on to develop a secondary bacterial infection ( usually takes more than two days but not always, however I am not a medical practitioner just a microbiologist), that the doctor will give you antibiotics.

[BishopBrennansArse]

I had this last week.
One sided tonsillitis.
Cleared by itself after about 10 days.

[GreySuitsAndBeetroots]

Itmustbemyage - I didn't know that. So I definitely won't go near a doctor until at least Friday. If it is still causing me aggravation then, I'll try and be seen by a doc before the weekend.

[GraciesMansion]

Ive had this before when I had an ear infection.

[CoperCabana]

My littlest girl had tonsillitis last year. She was really quite poorly but was even worse after one dose of antibiotics. I made the decision to stop the medicine and it was a nerve wracking week. But I did loads of research which suggested that even a bacterial case would probably cure itself, just might take a bit longer without antibiotics. And if viral, antibiotics would be useless. She got better after a while and I am glad I held out. As a teen, I had dose after dose of antibiotics for similar, and I now think that was probably OTT and counter productive in the long term.

[pasbeaucoupdegendarme]

I very frequently get an extraordinarily sore throat only on one side. It's my real weak spot, I guess it's something tonsil related...

[TurquoiseDress]

Hi it sounds like you might have an abscess near your tonsil on one side- a quinsy or peri-tonsillar abscess.

Get down to your GP for advice

[GreySuitsAndBeetroots]

Well I've woken up this morning feeling dreadful. I now have a temperature and still the throat of doom (one side only). I can't really see pus in my throat, feels lower down than that. I'll see how I get on today. Thanks for all the replies .

[BishopBrennansArse]

Salt water gargles and difflam spray are amazing.

[GreySuitsAndBeetroots]

Thanks bishopbrennansarse - will try and drag myself out of bed and to the chemist.

[Newbiecat]

Local anaesthetic throat spray works and aspirin gargles ( swallow after gargling) if you have no contraindications. Your pharmacist will advise. If worsening fever, headache or shakes see GP as tonsillitis more likely

[Forkrightorf]

Are you prone to tonsillitis OP? I've had quinsy twice which sounds very much like what you've got. Without being alarmist I'd pop to GP or walk in centre if I were you - I needed antibiotics through a drip first time. Hope you're feeling better soon x

[GreySuitsAndBeetroots]

I wouldn't say prone but I've had it a few times over the last few years.
What are the symptoms which point to it being quinsy instead of tonsilitis?

[vjg13]

I had this and it was a peri tonsillor abscess. Do see your GP, it will take antibiotics to shift it if that is what it is.

It felt like a very very painful version of one sided tonsillitis, I felt like I couldn't even swallow my own saliva.

[GreySuitsAndBeetroots]

Thanks vjg13 - the pain is more spread out now and I can definitely see pus on one of my tonsils (oddly, not the side which is most painful). I have got very small tonsils - one GP in the past actually asked if I had had them removed- so being able to see it in its pus-addled glory means it must be quite inflamed. Think I will see how I go overnight, see if the temperature comes back (have kept it at bay with paracetemol/ibuprofen combo all day. I think the fact that it is sore both sides now is probably positive that it's not an abscess or quinsy.

For you fellow tonsillitis suffers, my sympathies. I'd forgotten what a bastard it is. I've slept twice during the day and am in bed now, tired and sore again. The minor upside is I've had a medical reason for eating a magnum

[shewolfmum]

I would just bang vit c till i needed to rush for a number 2...and keep it up! Gargle with turmeric is exceĺlent and i find kills the pain (disgusting but quite incredible) apple cider vinegar in warm water too said to help. Horrid..

[austenozzy]

I know someone who had an abscess in their throats recently, ended up gettimg admitted to hospital for four days and having a regular draining session. I'd get it looked at and some ABs.