Question

My daughter is 9 years old, and she just started saying that it hurts when she swallows. I noticed she has a slight cough, and she also has a bit of a fever and doesn’t seem energetic. What symptoms might occur if a child develops tonsillitis?

Answer

Once tonsillitis occurs, most children will experience a sore throat, and if the inflammation is severe, the ears may also ache. Moreover, most children will have a persistent low-grade fever or sudden high fever at this time. They may also feel weak, have headaches, and experience body aches and chills. In addition, when the tonsils are congested, redness and swelling can be observed. If the condition worsens, more serious complications may arise, such as sepsis or endocarditis, among others. Therefore, I suggest to this parent that if your child indeed has the above symptoms, it is essential to seek medical treatment promptly.