My throat feels swollen up inside and it hurts to swallow?

My left side of my throat felt swollen up inside. I can't swallow without it hurting and I've tried eating hot soup, hot tea with lemon and honey, drinking pills but nothing seems to work. I've cried because it hurts so much and I'm scared that I might have tonsillitis. And I can't go to the doctor unless it's been more than a week because we can't afford it. I need help on what other things I can try to get better. It's one hour before it's three days. And also, I'm wondering if I can put a nice pack on my throat for the night