pain while swallowing - #7127

For the past few days, I’ve had pain while swallowing, and I don’t know if it’s just a sore throat or something more serious. It started with mild discomfort, but now I feel a sharp pain every time I swallow, especially on one side. What are the most common causes of pain while swallowing, and when should I see a doctor? I don’t have a fever, but my throat feels irritated, and I sometimes feel like something is stuck when I swallow. Could this be from acid reflux, or is it more likely to be an infection? I’ve had heartburn before, but I’ve never had pain while swallowing like this. I also checked my throat in the mirror, and I noticed some redness and small white spots on my tonsils. Does that mean it’s strep throat, or could it be something else? Do all throat infections cause pain while swallowing, or only bacterial ones? Another thing I’m worried about is whether this could be a tonsil stone. I’ve had those before, and they were really uncomfortable. Can tonsil stones cause pain while swallowing, or do they usually just cause bad breath? I also read that more serious conditions, like throat cancer or esophageal problems, can cause pain while swallowing. How do doctors tell the difference between a simple infection and something more serious? If anyone has experienced pain while swallowing, how long did it take to go away? Did you need antibiotics, or were home remedies enough? I’m trying to figure out if I should wait it out or see a doctor sooner.