Question

My daughter is 9 years old, and she just started saying that she’s sore when swallowing. I’ve noticed that she’s been coughing more severely, and now she has a persistent high fever that doesn’t seem to go away. What are the common symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?

Answer

If a child indeed has tonsillitis, the primary symptom is a sore throat, and the child may frequently cry out in pain as they struggle to swallow. Most children will also experience a persistent low-grade fever or a sudden high fever at this time, accompanied by chills and headaches. Many children also feel exhausted. At this point, the child’s tonsils are red and swollen, and they may be larger than usual. If the condition worsens, more severe complications may arise, even sepsis or endocarditis. It is very serious for a child to have tonsillitis, and parents should pay attention to this and take their child to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.