Question
A 8-year-old boy, in elementary school, initially complained of a sore throat and found it difficult to swallow. He also has a low-grade fever. What symptoms might appear if a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child develops tonsillitis, most will conscious experience a sore throat, and if the inflammation is severe, the ears may also ache. At the same time, the child may have a fever, possibly a low-grade one, or even a high fever of 39-40 degrees Celsius. In cases of fever, many children may also suffer from headaches or body aches, along with chills. Additionally, when the tonsils are congested, redness and swelling can be observed. If treatment is delayed, some children may develop serious complications such as nephritis or endocarditis. Therefore, I advise this parent that if your child indeed has the above symptoms, it is imperative to seek medical treatment promptly.