I started having an earache tonight, then noticed it was sometimes triggered by swallowing. So I looking in my mouth and noticed my tonsils were slightly inflamed, with a few bumps sprinkled on the surface. The bumps are the same color as the tonsils--red--and look like pimples. The earache is on the side with the most inflamed tonsil, though they are both relatively small.

I'd be fine with a wait and see because I'd hate to waste my doc's time if this is just viral. Any clues out there? I'm plopping this question in this in this forum because it is immune related and we generally have immune issues (I know, I'm reaching). I'd appreciate any insight.

Your sinuses are connected to your nose and your ears so if you have a bad head cold it can give you an ear ache and you can get mucus that drips down the back of your throat from you sinuses and can cause inflammation of you tonsils.

If it lasts more than a week an doesn't get better or seems to get better then worse I'd go see a doctor. Also if the spots or your tonsil get white and puss like (with a really bad sore throat) thats a good time to go. I used to get bi-yearly sinus infections or strep throat for some reason and if I noticed any of the above thats when I would go.

I have the same thing you describe, along with a very high fever. I saw the doctor yesterday, and tested positive for strep. It wouldn't hurt to give your doctor a call...

haha, already did. went twice in fact

first time was for the tonsils/earache. she gave me flonase thinking it a complication of sinusitis (good call keith)

then i went back a few days later because my lymph nodes around my ear had become painful and swollen.

for that i got ear drops.

now i'm just waiting for the pain to completely subside. i know the lymph nodes will be swollen for some time, which isn't real comforting for a worry wart like me; but i'll make do and try not to feel them every five minutes.