Question
My daughter is 6 years old. She recently started saying she has a sore throat while talking and has noticed a slight cough. She also has a low-grade fever. What clinical symptoms might appear if a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, most will conscious feel a sore throat, and if the inflammation is severe, the ears may also hurt. The child may have a fever, with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius in severe cases. It is important to note that along with the fever, the child may also experience symptoms such as chills and fatigue. Additionally, due to the diffuse congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa, the child’s tonsils may become visibly enlarged, and serious complications such as nephritis or sepsis may occur, which can directly threaten life. Therefore, I advise this parent that if your child indeed has the above symptoms, it is imperative to seek medical treatment promptly.