Question
Dear Parent, my son is just over 6 months old and has recently started to complain of a sore throat while talking. I’ve noticed he’s been coughing quite severely, and it seems like he’s had a low-grade fever that hasn’t gone away. What symptoms should I look out for in a child with tonsillitis?
Answer
Pediatric tonsillitis is one of the more common pediatric diseases. When a child contracts this illness, the first symptoms to appear are typically a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Some children may also experience a fever, which can be observed as low-grade but should prompt medical attention if it becomes high-grade. The child may also exhibit symptoms such as chills, fatigue, and headaches. At this point, the tonsils usually become red and swollen with congestion. In addition to tonsillitis, the condition may further affect the heart and kidneys, leading to complications such as myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, the symptoms of tonsillitis can be quite severe and even life-threatening, making timely treatment extremely important.