Question
A baby boy, just over 2 months old, has started to feel a sore throat, even when drinking water, and is experiencing severe coughing and fever, along with a lack of energy. What symptoms might a child with tonsillitis exhibit?
Answer
If a child indeed has tonsillitis, the primary symptom will be a sore throat, which may cause the child to cry continuously as they struggle to swallow. Some children may also experience fever alongside the sore throat, which could be a persistent low-grade fever or as high as 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the child may feel fatigue, headaches, general body aches, and chills. At this point, the tonsils are usually congested and appear red and swollen. If the condition worsens, more severe complications may arise, even leading to sepsis or endocarditis. Therefore, if any of these symptoms are observed in a child, medical attention should be sought promptly to prevent complications.