I am a 50 year old female elementary teacher.  It hurts to swallow, both ears hurt - like you want to stick a q-tip in them ( but didnt), when I cough it comes from deep in my chest.  I dont have the normal cold symptoms - Im not stuffed up, but have been sneezing occasionally.  Several of my students have been diagnosed with strep.  Ive never had strep before.  I have been taking ibuprofen to deal with the pain.
It is outcome of recurrent sinus infections when you ignore mall recurrent infections there is development of allergic sinuses which causes post nasal Chat Doctor.