Question
Dear Baby, currently 3 years old, just started to say that drinking water feels painful in the throat. It seems that coughing has also become more severe. Additionally, the fever has not subsided yet. What clinical symptoms should one expect if a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
If a child indeed has tonsillitis, the initial symptom is a sore throat, and due to this, the child may frequently cry and struggle to swallow. The child will also experience fever, which could be low-grade or as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. The child may also exhibit chills, weakness, and headaches. Additionally, the tonsils may appear visibly swollen due to the diffuse congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa. Such diseases may also trigger more severe complications like sepsis, rheumatism, and arthritis. If the child’s condition continues to worsen, it is advisable for parents not to delay and to take their child for treatment as soon as possible.