Question
A boy, 8 years old, initially complained of a sore throat, accompanied by a slight cough, and had a bit of a fever and was also feeling listless. What clinical symptoms might occur with pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
If the child indeed has tonsillitis, the initial symptom would be a sore throat, which would make swallowing difficult and lead to frequent crying and fussiness. Along with the sore throat, some children may also experience a fever, which could be a persistent low-grade fever or even reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius. Accompanying the high fever might be chills, weakness, and headaches. The tonsils can also be visibly red and swollen due to congestion. Such diseases may also trigger more severe complications like sepsis, rheumatism, and joint diseases. If the child’s condition is worsening continuously, it is advisable for parents not to delay and to take their child for treatment as soon as possible.