Question
An 8-year-old boy is experiencing throat pain and difficulty swallowing, along with a persistent low-grade fever. What symptoms might indicate tonsillitis in a child?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, they will first feel throat pain and this will affect their normal swallowing. They may also develop a fever, which could be a low-grade fever or as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. During the fever period, symptoms such as headache, body aches, and chills may also occur. The tonsils may become red and swollen at this time, usually due to inflammation and congestion. Further progression may affect the heart and kidneys, leading to conditions such as myocarditis and nephritis. If the child’s symptoms worsen, it is recommended that parents take their child to the doctor as soon as possible.