Question
A 9-year-old boy experienced swallowing pain, slight cough, and persistent low fever after school. What symptoms might be associated with pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
The typical symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis include throat pain, which may also be accompanied by difficulty swallowing and persistent low fever. In some cases, there may be a sudden high fever, accompanied by chills and headache. During the illness, the child may feel generally weak, and the tonsils usually appear red and swollen. If not treated promptly, tonsillitis can lead to serious complications such as kidney inflammation or sepsis. Therefore, if a child’s symptoms worsen, it is advisable for parents to take their child to the doctor early on to prevent the condition from worsening.