should i be worried?

the past few weeks, not constant but getting more frequent, i have been having a pinch pain in my left side of my throat, around where my lymph nodes are. each time i swallow, tiny soft sips, it is so painful. almost as a pinched nerve. my throat feels fine and the other side is okay. i can’t eat or drink sometimes. i’m worried, i don’t really know what to feel for but it seems okay... it hurts to touch or cough. i’m 18, female. i do not smoke. should i be concerned?