Question
A 9-year-old boy, while in elementary school, experienced a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and accompanied by a persistent low-grade fever. Could these be common symptoms of tonsillitis?
Answer
Most children will feel a sore throat after tonsillitis, with the pain being more pronounced when swallowing. Additionally, they usually have a fever, which may be a persistent low-grade fever or a high fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Other symptoms may include chills, fatigue, and headaches. The tonsils may also appear red and swollen during this time. If left untreated, tonsillitis can lead to complications such as myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, if a child exhibits these symptoms, it is recommended that parents seek medical attention promptly.