I have a painful irritated throat with swelling in the sides of my neck and popping in the ears. what is this?

Probably a URI: It sounds like you may have an upper respiratory infection or uri. It sounds like you may have a mild sore throat, possible swollen glands, nasal congestion, stuffed ears which is common with a uri. Should resolve on its own in a few days, but if not, you may want to get checked out by a medical provider as you may need antibiotics.