What Could Cause Swelling Under Eardrum Down To Lower Jaw?

I had an experience where the left side of my face under my eardrum down to my lower jaw swelled up considerably after drinking water that irritated my mouth and throat. I couldn't eat on this side for about a day because every time I chewed food the swelling would get tighter to feel as though my ear drum would explode, so I avoided food for a day, eventhough with hot and cold compresses the swelling went down considerably. I also noticed there was alot of pressure in the eardrum and neck area where the swelling occurred. However, the pressure reduced with the applying of compresses. Could this be an ear infection of some kind? I'm 5 '4'' and weigh 240 lbs and am 45 yrs old. Thank you much.