Question
Baby girl, 5 months old, feels throat pain when talking, voice hoarse, and has a persistent fever. What are the clinical symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child contracts tonsillitis, the primary symptom is a severe throat pain, which may make it difficult to swallow food normally. Accompanying this may be a fever, which can range from low-grade to as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. Along with the fever, the child may experience shivering and fatigue. At this point, the tonsils become inflamed, congested, and swollen. If the condition worsens, serious complications may arise, such as sepsis or endocarditis. It is recommended that parents seek medical attention promptly if they suspect their child has tonsillitis.