Question
A young boy, just over 4 months old, has recently started to experience a sore throat when talking, accompanied by a mild cough and fever, and is showing signs of being unwell. What are the common symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
Many children now experience recurrent episodes of tonsillitis. The symptoms of tonsillitis are typically easy to recognize. Firstly, most children will feel a sore throat, and may have a persistent low-grade fever or a sudden high fever. They may also experience headaches, general body aches, fatigue, and chills. At this point, the tonsils are usually congested and appear red and swollen. If not treated promptly, tonsillitis can further develop and affect the heart and kidneys, leading to complications such as myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, the symptoms of tonsillitis should not be overlooked, and medical treatment should be sought promptly.