Hello, Your throat will definitely react to excess irritants including smoking, alcohol, acidic and spicy foods. This can be harsh, damaging and dehydrate throat tissue. Try to avoid all irritants and look for a positive response. You could easily be coming down with a cold and experience greater infection on one side. Look for typical cold and respiratory sumptoms to worsen. Strep can be tested for with a simple Sean. Antibiotics would be necessary to treat this. Other systemic disorders such as acid reflux can cause throat irritation. Keep in mind dehydration could be responsible and you should make sure you. keep very well hydrated. Balanced vitamins and particular intake of B12 is suggested. Your history does raise concern got cancer. make sure you are up to date on your dental exam and oral cancer screening. Seek professional care if your condition persists or worsens. Thank you for your inquiry.