Question
My child is a 5-year-old boy. Initially, he felt pain when swallowing water, and I noticed his voice was a bit hoarse. Now, he has a persistent high fever. What symptoms might a child experience with tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child develops tonsillitis, the most common symptom is sore throat, which may sometimes extend to the ears and even lead to otitis media. Some children may have a low-grade fever, but if there is a high fever, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly. High fever may be accompanied by chills, fatigue, and headache, at which point the tonsils are typically congested and swollen. Delayed treatment may lead to serious complications such as nephritis and endocarditis. It is advisable for parents to take their child to the doctor as soon as possible to avoid further deterioration of the condition and unnecessary harm.