Question
My son is 5 years old, and he has recently started to feel a sore throat, his voice is somewhat hoarse, and he has a persistent high fever. What clinical symptoms might be present with pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
If a child has tonsillitis, the initial symptoms are usually a sore throat, which may make swallowing difficult. At this point, most children will have a persistent low-grade fever or a sudden high fever, accompanied by chills, fatigue, and headaches. The tonsils often become congested and swollen, and delaying treatment may lead to serious complications such as nephritis or endocarditis. It is recommended that parents take their child to the doctor for early treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and causing unnecessary harm.