Question
Does a child’s persistent cough lead to tonsillitis?
Answer
A cough caused by a cold in children, even if the cold has improved, can be a natural response of the body to clear residual infection. The tonsils are the largest lymphoid tissue in the throat, highly active during childhood, with humoral and cellular immune functions. They produce immunoglobulin IgA, which can inhibit the attachment and growth of bacteria and viruses on respiratory mucous membranes. Therefore, a child’s cough may lead to tonsillitis, especially when the cough is persistent and severe. However, not all coughs lead to tonsillitis; this depends on the individual child’s immune status and the strength of the infection source. It is recommended that parents closely monitor their child’s symptoms. If the cough worsens or other symptoms such as fever or sore throat appear, medical attention should be sought promptly. The doctor can provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations based on the child’s condition.