For about 6 months off and on my left tonsil has been bothering me. Not the typical sore throat but more a diffuse ache and sore lymph nodes in same side. I didn t localize the pain until today, when I stuck my finger back there and was able to palpate the tonsil and it recreated the pain. It it slightly bigger than the other but only slightly red. At times it does feel that there s something in my throat. Also that after swallowing my throat is not fully open. I have also had some intermittent ear pain and abnormal noises in that ear. It s not strep throat or s cold virus. I m very familiar with them. Also I don t smoke, I m not around smokers, I m 29, and I drink socially. Thank you!