Question
A boy, 8 years old, has recently been experiencing sore throat, hoarseness, and a lack of energy with fever. What are the common symptoms of infant and toddler tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child develops tonsillitis, the primary symptom is throat pain, which may affect the ears and even lead to otitis media. It is often accompanied by fever, which can range from low-grade to as high as 40 degrees Celsius, along with headache, body aches, fatigue, and chills. At this time, the child’s tonsils are usually red and swollen and may become enlarged. If the disease progresses, it may lead to serious complications such as sepsis or acute rheumatic fever. It is recommended that parents seek medical treatment promptly if their child exhibits these symptoms.