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What Causes Pain On Left Side Of Throat While Swallowing?
Question: Hello!
For about a week now I've been having a pain when swallowing, only on the left side of my throat. It feels almost indistinguishable between ear pain, sinus pain and lower throat pain. I cant exactly tell where the pain is coming from. Feels like lower throat that radiates a little into my ear. I am recovered from a cold I had a few weeks ago, but this pain has lingered. It goes away when I take advil and there are no known lumps I can see or feel. I haven't had any trouble swallowing and it doesn't feel like there is anything stuck in my throat. Looking in the back of my throat my tonsils don't appear swollen or any pus. I did have strep throat twice this fall and winter already, but this is nothing compared to how bad that was.
How long should I let this pain go on before I see a doctor? Any idea what could be causing it?
For about a week now I've been having a pain when swallowing, only on the left side of my throat. It feels almost indistinguishable between ear pain, sinus pain and lower throat pain. I cant exactly tell where the pain is coming from. Feels like lower throat that radiates a little into my ear. I am recovered from a cold I had a few weeks ago, but this pain has lingered. It goes away when I take advil and there are no known lumps I can see or feel. I haven't had any trouble swallowing and it doesn't feel like there is anything stuck in my throat. Looking in the back of my throat my tonsils don't appear swollen or any pus. I did have strep throat twice this fall and winter already, but this is nothing compared to how bad that was.
How long should I let this pain go on before I see a doctor? Any idea what could be causing it?
Brief Answer:
Mild URTI, Referred ear pain, Check Carrier status.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This seems to be a mild Upper respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) which is usually viral.
2. To confirm that the ear pain is a referred pain, get the ears examined. If they are normal, it is referred pain from the throat.
3. The throat is best examined by a VideoLaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy). A throat swab for you and family members is also in order since you have had two episodes of Strep throat. This is to check if you or anyone else in the family is a carrier.
4. All this, including investigating the sinuses, will require you to see a doctor.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Mild URTI, Referred ear pain, Check Carrier status.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This seems to be a mild Upper respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) which is usually viral.
2. To confirm that the ear pain is a referred pain, get the ears examined. If they are normal, it is referred pain from the throat.
3. The throat is best examined by a VideoLaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy). A throat swab for you and family members is also in order since you have had two episodes of Strep throat. This is to check if you or anyone else in the family is a carrier.
4. All this, including investigating the sinuses, will require you to see a doctor.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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