Question
My daughter is 7 years old. Initially, she said she felt pain when swallowing, and I noticed she had a slight cough as well. She also has a bit of a fever and seems less energetic. What common symptoms appear when young children suffer from tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, they may experience a sore throat, which might also affect the ears and potentially lead to otitis media. Fever is another common symptom of tonsillitis, with severe cases potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Accompanying the high fever can be chills, fatigue, and headaches. Additionally, the tonsils may become visibly red and swollen due to congestion. In severe cases, children may develop complications such as acute glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever, or rheumatic endocarditis. Pediatric tonsillitis is a very serious condition that can even threaten a child’s life, so parents must seek treatment for their child promptly.