Question
A 6-year-old girl is experiencing a sore throat, slight cough, and persistent fever. What are the common symptoms if a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child contracts tonsillitis, they may initially feel a sore throat, which can then spread to the ears, potentially leading to otitis media. Most children will exhibit a fever, with temperatures possibly reaching 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. Along with the high fever, there may be headaches, body aches, and chills. During examination, the tonsils may appear red and swollen, often due to inflammation and congestion. In severe cases, complications such as acute glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic endocarditis may occur. Tonsillitis is a serious condition for children, and it is advisable for parents to take their child to the doctor promptly to prevent the condition from worsening.