Question
My son is 8 years old, and he initially complained of a sore throat, accompanied by a slight cough, and has had a bit of a fever. What clinical manifestations might a child with tonsillitis exhibit?
Answer
Pediatric tonsillitis is one of the more common childhood illnesses, with symptoms including throat pain, coughing, and fever (which may be low or high-grade). Accompanying the high fever, there may be chills, fatigue, and headaches. Upon close observation, you may notice that the child’s tonsils appear red and swollen. If not treated promptly, it may lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, nephritis, or sepsis. Therefore, if you notice your child exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.