Question
A nine-month-old girl baby has started complaining of pain while swallowing, accompanied by severe coughing and low-grade fever. What symptoms might a child with tonsillitis exhibit?
Answer
Pediatric tonsillitis is a common childhood illness, one of whose main symptoms is throat pain, which can lead many children to cry and fuss. In addition, children may experience fever, which can range from low-grade to high-grade, up to 39-40 degrees Celsius. Headache is also a common symptom, and in severe cases, it may be accompanied by general body pain, chills, and fatigue. The tonsils themselves may appear red and swollen with congestion. If not treated promptly, some children may develop serious complications such as nephritis and endocarditis. Therefore, it is recommended that parents seek medical assistance immediately if their child exhibits the aforementioned symptoms.