Question
My child is a 5-year-old boy. He recently started saying that his throat hurts, and I noticed that his voice sounds a bit hoarse when he speaks. He also has a low-grade fever. What symptoms might a child with tonsillitis have?
Answer
Most children with tonsillitis will experience throat pain, with the pain being more severe during swallowing. They may also have a certain degree of fever, which can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in severe cases. They may also experience symptoms such as headaches, general body aches, chills, and fatigue. The tonsils may appear red and swollen, primarily due to inflammation and congestion. If not treated promptly, some children may develop serious complications such as nephritis or endocarditis. Therefore, pediatric tonsillitis is a serious condition that can even be life-threatening, and parents must take their children to the doctor in a timely manner.