Question
A 7-year-old girl is experiencing throat pain, coughing, and fever. Could it be tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, common symptoms include throat and ear pain, which can severely affect swallowing function; most children will have a fever, with temperatures potentially reaching 39-40 degrees Celsius. They may also experience fatigue, headache, general body aches, and chills. The tonsils become visibly red and swollen due to congestion. If not treated promptly, it may lead to serious complications such as nephritis and endocarditis, so parents must take their child to the doctor in a timely manner.