Question
A 6-year-old boy initially felt a sore throat while speaking, accompanied by a slight cough and low-grade fever. What common symptoms may appear when a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child develops tonsillitis, the first symptom is usually a sore throat, which may then affect the ears, potentially leading to otitis media. The child usually also experiences fever, which can range from low-grade to high-grade, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. Along with the fever, the child may exhibit symptoms such as chills and fatigue. At this point, the tonsils are red and swollen. If left untreated, some children may develop serious complications such as nephritis or endocarditis. It is clear that pediatric tonsillitis is a serious condition that can even threaten a child’s life, so parents must seek treatment for their child promptly.