Question
My 1-year-old son says his throat is sore, and he has difficulty swallowing with a low-grade fever. What are the symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
Most children with tonsillitis will experience throat pain, which becomes more severe during swallowing. They may also have a fever, sometimes as high as 40 degrees Celsius. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as headache, body aches, fatigue, and chills. The tonsils may become red and swollen, and they might even enlarge. In severe cases, complications such as nephritis or sepsis can occur, posing a serious threat to life. Parents should take their child to a doctor as soon as possible to avoid the worsening of the condition.