Question
My daughter is 3 years old. She just started to feel a sore throat when she speaks, and I noticed she has been coughing quite severely. She also has a low-grade fever. What symptoms might appear if a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child’s tonsils become inflamed, they often experience noticeable pain in the throat and ears, which affects their normal swallowing. Fever is also a common symptom of tonsillitis, with severe cases potentially reaching temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. The child may also exhibit fatigue, headache, general body aches, and chills. At this time, the tonsils are usually in a state of congestion, appearing red and very swollen. The child may also develop complications such as sepsis, arthritis, and skin disorders. Therefore, it is advised that parents seek medical attention promptly if they discover their child has tonsillitis.