Question
My daughter is 8 years old. Initially, she said she felt pain when swallowing, and she has been coughing more severely. She also has a slight fever and seems less energetic. What symptoms might a child with tonsillitis have?
Answer
The tonsils are located in the throat area, so one of the most obvious symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis is pain when swallowing. Some children may have mild or high fever (up to 40 degrees Celsius), accompanied by chills and headaches. Most children feel generally weak, with the tonsils appearing red and swollen and usually larger than normal. Children with severe cases may experience complications such as acute glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic endocarditis. It is recommended that parents take their children to see a doctor early to prevent the condition from worsening and causing unnecessary harm.