Question
A boy, 8 years old, is in elementary school. Initially, he said he had a sore throat, and it was noticed that swallowing seemed a bit difficult. Moreover, he now has a persistent fever that does not go away. What symptoms may occur with pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child develops tonsillitis, they will first experience a sore throat, which can cause difficulty with normal swallowing. Most children may have a persistent low-grade fever or a sudden high fever, accompanied by chills, headaches, and may feel generally weak. The tonsils may become congested, red, and swollen. In severe cases, complications such as acute glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic endocarditis may occur. It is advisable for parents to seek medical attention promptly.