Question
A 12-year-old boy, in elementary school, initially complained of pain when swallowing water. He also noticed a slight cough and seemed to have a persistent low-grade fever. What clinical symptoms may appear in children with tonsillitis?
Answer
When tonsillitis occurs, most children conscious of a sore throat, and if the inflammation is severe, the ears may also hurt. The child will have a certain degree of fever, which can be as high as 40 degrees Celsius in severe cases. It is important to take note of this, and the child may also experience fatigue, headache, and even body aches, along with chills. Upon close observation, one can notice that the child’s tonsils are in a state of redness and swelling. The child may also develop complications such as sepsis, arthritis, and skin disorders. If the child’s condition continues to worsen, it is still advisable for parents not to delay and to take their child for treatment as soon as possible.