Question
My daughter is 2 years old. She recently started saying that drinking water feels painful in her throat, and her voice sounds a bit hoarse when she talks. Additionally, she has a bit of a fever and seems listless. What are the common symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
If a child indeed has tonsillitis, the first symptom is usually throat pain, which makes swallowing difficult and leads to frequent crying. The child may also experience fever, which could be low-grade or as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. Besides fever, the child may also have chills, fatigue, and headaches. Swollen and red tonsils are also common, often due to inflammation and congestion. In severe cases, complications such as acute glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic endocarditis may occur. It is crucial to observe the child promptly and seek medical treatment.