I have a sore throat on only my left side. i also sometimes have difficulty swallowing to the point it can be difficult to breathe. any thoughts?

Need Evaluation: If you have any difficulty breathing from any reason, you need to be seen and evaluated by a doctor. Call 911 or go to the emergency room. Other questions: how long have you had a sore throat, any pain with swallowing, any neck swelling? Age? The answers to these questions can change the diagnosis.

Contact Dr. or E.R.: A person with throat symptoms of difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing must be seen by a doctor right away. There may be an abscess under the tonsils or behind them at the back of the throat. Sometimes, a person will quickly block off airflow (from sudden enlargement of the abscesses) and suffocate to death. If symptoms are very worrisome, one should call 911 for an ambulance.