Question
My son is 8 years old. He recently started saying that drinking water feels painful in his throat. I noticed that swallowing seems a bit difficult, and he seems to have a low-grade fever that hasn’t gone away. Can you tell me what clinical symptoms might occur if a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
The tonsils are located at the back of the throat. When a child has tonsillitis, one of the most obvious symptoms is sore throat, difficulty swallowing. Most children may also have a fever, with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius in severe cases. Accompanying the high fever are chills, fatigue, and headaches. At this time, the child’s tonsils may become red and swollen, which can further affect the heart and kidneys, potentially leading to conditions such as myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, if you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.