Question
My son is 4 years old. He recently complained of throat pain when swallowing, and I noticed that his coughing seems more severe. He also has a bit of a fever and seems listless. What clinical symptoms may appear in children with tonsillitis?
Answer
Pediatric tonsillitis is a common childhood illness, and one of its common symptoms is throat pain. Many children may cry and fuss due to the pain, and they often have a fever, which can range from low-grade to high-grade, up to 40 degrees Celsius. The child may also experience fatigue, headache, and even body aches, as well as chills. At this time, the tonsils can also be red and swollen, which is usually due to inflammation and congestion. If the condition continues to worsen, it may lead to some particularly serious complications, such as sepsis or acute rheumatism. Therefore, it is recommended that parents seek medical attention promptly if they find that their child has contracted tonsillitis.