What Causes Swollen Gland In Throat While Sleeping?

My mom reports a gland in her throat swells when she lies down, but resolves when she sits or stands up. she also has had tearing in her eyes (sometimes one, sometimes the other) off and on for about 3 months. I wanted to do some research for her, as she is not amenable to seeing doctors unless she needs urgent care. Any ideas about what this might be?