What causes pain in the right side of the throat, making it painful even to swallow saliva, and what should I do about it?

Generally, pain in the right side of the throat that worsens when swallowing saliva may be caused by excessive voice use irritating the mucosa, consumption of spicy foods damaging the throat, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, or reflux laryngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Excessive voice use irritating the mucosa: Prolonged loud talking or shouting can lead to congestion and swelling of the mucosa on the right side of the throat, causing pain during swallowing. Immediately reduce speaking frequency, avoid shouting, drink plenty of warm water to soothe the throat, and ensure daily fluid intake exceeds 1500 mL.

2. Throat damage from spicy diet: Consuming large amounts of spicy foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns in a short period can irritate the right throat mucosa, triggering inflammation and painful swallowing. Stop eating spicy and irritating foods; instead, consume light, liquid-based meals such as millet porridge and vegetable soup.

3. Acute pharyngitis: Viral or bacterial infection causes acute inflammation of the mucosa on the right side of the throat, leading to redness, swelling, and erosion of the mucosa, with increased pain during swallowing. Follow your doctor’s instructions to use medications such as Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Tablets, Lanqin Oral Liquid, or Watermelon Frost Lozenges. Ensure adequate rest, avoid staying up late, maintain indoor air humidity, and prevent dryness and irritation.

4. Acute tonsillitis: Inflammation of the right tonsil caused by infection with hemolytic streptococcus leads to swollen, pus-forming tonsils and significant pain during swallowing. If due to bacterial infection, take medications such as Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets, Amoxicillin Capsules, or Roxithromycin Dispersible Tablets as directed by your doctor. Rinse your mouth after meals and maintain good oral hygiene.

5. Reflux laryngitis: Gastric contents flow back into the throat, where stomach acid irritates the right throat mucosa, causing congestion and pain—symptoms often worsen when fasting or at night. Follow your doctor’s advice to use medications such as Omeprazole Enteric-coated Capsules, Domperidone Tablets, or Hydrotalcite Chewable Tablets to relieve symptoms.

In daily life, avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke to reduce throat irritation. Eat more throat-soothing fruits like pears and grapefruits, and increase vitamin intake. Maintain regular sleep patterns to boost immunity. With proper care and standardized treatment, throat inflammation can resolve and pain can be relieved.