Question
An 8-month-old baby girl has recently been experiencing throat pain, which is so severe that even drinking water causes discomfort. She also has a severe cough and a persistent high fever. What symptoms might appear if a child develops tonsillitis?
Answer
Most children with tonsillitis will experience throat pain, with the pain intensifying during swallowing. Common symptoms include fever, sometimes reaching 40 degrees Celsius, and the child may feel weak, have a headache, general body aches, and even shiver. Upon close observation, you may notice the tonsils are red and swollen. The condition may further progress to severe complications such as sepsis or endocarditis. Therefore, if you notice the child exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.