Question
A 2-year-old boy has recently started to complain of a sore throat, with his voice sounding hoarse during speech. He also has a fever and seems listless. What symptoms might indicate infant and toddler tonsillitis?
Answer
The tonsils are located in the throat area. When infants or toddlers develop tonsillitis, one of the most obvious symptoms is a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, often accompanied by fever, which can range from low-grade to as high as 40 degrees Celsius. Symptoms accompanying high fever may include chills, fatigue, and headaches. At this time, the child’s tonsils may become red and swollen, and they may also experience severe complications such as nephritis or sepsis, which can be life-threatening. It is recommended that parents seek medical attention as soon as they discover their child has tonsillitis.