Question
A 4-year-old child is experiencing throat pain, mild cough, and fever, and shows signs of lack of energy. Do these symptoms indicate tonsillitis?
Answer
The initial symptom of tonsillitis is usually throat pain, which may cause the child to have difficulty swallowing and frequent crying. Many children with tonsillitis will have a fever, with temperatures possibly reaching 39-40 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chills and headaches. The child may also feel generally weak, and the tonsils may swell and become red due to congestion. If not treated promptly, it may lead to serious complications such as sepsis and endocarditis. Therefore, it is recommended that parents seek medical attention promptly if their child exhibits the aforementioned symptoms.