Question
A 2-year-old boy has just started experiencing a slight pain in his throat, and he seems to have difficulty swallowing. He also has a low-grade fever. What symptoms should be looked out for in children with tonsillitis?
Answer
If a child’s tonsils become inflamed, the initial symptoms are often throat pain, accompanied by varying degrees of difficulty swallowing. Most children will also experience a persistent low-grade fever or a sudden high fever. Along with the fever, they may exhibit symptoms such as chills and fatigue. Due to the diffuse congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa, the tonsils may become visibly enlarged. If the condition worsens further, more severe complications such as sepsis or endocarditis may occur. If the child’s condition continues to deteriorate, it is advisable for parents not to delay and to seek treatment as soon as possible.