Question
A 10-year-old boy, in elementary school, initially complained of pain when swallowing water. He also had a slight cough and seemed to have a low-grade fever that never went away. What clinical symptoms might appear when a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
The tonsils are located in the throat area. When a child develops tonsillitis, one of the most apparent symptoms is a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Some children may also experience persistent low or high fever (up to 40°C), accompanied by chills and headaches. Most children will also feel generally weak, and due to the congestion of the mucous membranes in the throat, the tonsils can be visibly enlarged. If the condition worsens, more severe complications such as sepsis and endocarditis may occur. Therefore, it is recommended that parents seek medical attention promptly if they discover their child has tonsillitis.