Question

My child is a 5-year-old boy. He recently started to complain of pain when swallowing and drinking water. I noticed he has a slight cough and also has a bit of a fever and seems lackluster. What clinical symptoms might a child with tonsillitis experience?

Answer

When a child’s tonsils become inflamed, they experience significant pain in the throat and ears, affecting normal swallowing. Along with the sore throat, some children may have a fever, which could be a persistent low-grade fever or even a high fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius. They may also experience headaches, body aches, and fatigue. At this time, the child’s tonsils are typically red and swollen, and they may appear larger than usual. Additionally, a small number of children may develop complications such as bronchial asthma, sepsis, and nephritis. Therefore, if you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.