Question

Dear Parent, my son is just over 8 months old. He has just started to have a sore throat, and it seems like swallowing is a bit difficult. He also has a low-grade fever. What clinical symptoms might appear in children with tonsillitis?

Answer

The tonsils are located at the back of the throat, so one of the most obvious symptoms of acute tonsillitis is a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Most children will also have a persistent low-grade fever or a sudden high fever at this time. The child may feel weak and have a headache. In severe cases, chills may occur. Additionally, under the condition of tonsillar congestion, redness and swelling can be observed. There may also be some serious complications, such as nephritis and sepsis, which can directly threaten life. Therefore, if any of these symptoms are found in the child, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications.