What Causes Ear And Throat Pain And Swelling?

Hi i have been sick for about a week now, i thought id was a cold at first but i believe it was a standard Sinus Infection. For the past two days i have had a fair amount of ear and throat pain with dryness of the throat and cannot lay down and sleep for more then two hours due to throat swelling up and making it extra painful, i find when i sit up it is not as bad. I have been taking Tylenol Complete thinking it is just a sinus infection but i think it might be something else, any suggestions?