What Causes Sore Throat With Pain In Ear?

Hi, This started this Thursday just gone with what seemed quite a minor sore throat. It has now increased and spread up the left side of my face including pain in the ear. Last night was bad in as much as I had a lump in my throat that seemed so big that it felt as if my throat were closing up. Please I would be glad to hear what you have to say. Thankyouj. Sheila