Question
A 6-year-old boy is experiencing a sore throat and hoarseness, along with a fever. Could this be a sign of tonsillitis? What are the possible symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, they may experience pronounced pain in the throat and ears, which can affect normal swallowing. Many children will have a fever, with temperatures potentially rising to 39-40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the child may feel weak, have headaches, and even experience general body aches and chills. In such cases, the tonsils usually appear congested, with a red and swollen appearance. Severe tonsillitis can lead to complications such as acute glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic endocarditis. Therefore, it is recommended that parents seek medical attention immediately if they suspect their child has tonsillitis to avoid the occurrence of serious complications.