Question
A 12-year-old boy, in elementary school, started to complain of pain when swallowing. He was found to have a more severe cough, accompanied by a low-grade fever. What clinical symptoms might appear if a child develops tonsillitis?
Answer
Pediatric tonsillitis has been one of the more prevalent pediatric diseases in recent years. The primary symptom is usually throat pain, which can even spread to the ears. Children may also experience varying degrees of fever, with some infants potentially suffering from seizures due to high fever. Along with the fever, symptoms such as chills and headaches may occur. Most children also feel tired and, upon close observation, the tonsils can be seen to be red and swollen. Moreover, if left untreated, it can further affect the heart and kidneys, leading to conditions such as myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, it is recommended that parents seek medical attention promptly if they discover that their child has tonsillitis.