Question
Dear Parent, my son is just over 5 months old. Initially, he felt pain when swallowing water, and his voice became hoarse during speech. Now, he has a persistent high fever. What clinical symptoms might appear if a child develops tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child’s tonsils become inflamed, they experience significant pain in the throat and ears, affecting normal swallowing. They may also have a fever, which could be low-grade or as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, they might experience headache, general body pain, and fatigue, along with chills. Upon close examination, you may notice that the child’s tonsils are red and swollen. Furthermore, not only can tonsillitis lead to complications, but it can also further develop into conditions affecting the heart and kidneys, such as myocarditis and nephritis. It’s clear that pediatric tonsillitis is a serious condition that can even threaten a child’s life. Parents must ensure their child receives timely treatment.