Question
My daughter is 8 years old. She recently started saying that drinking water feels painful in her throat. I noticed she has been coughing quite severely, and she’s been a bit feverish. What symptoms might indicate tonsillitis in children?
Answer
When children develop tonsillitis, they first experience a sore throat, which can be so severe that swallowing becomes difficult. At the same time, they may have a fever, possibly low-grade, or even a high fever of 39-40 degrees Celsius. They may also feel fatigue, headache, and in severe cases, chills. The tonsils become inflamed and swollen, red, and purulent. If not promptly addressed, this condition can lead to complications such as rheumatism (wind dampness), nephritis (kidney inflammation), and sepsis. Therefore, if any of these symptoms are observed in children, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.