Question
My son is 9 years old and has been complaining that it hurts to swallow. I’ve noticed that his coughing seems more severe, and he also has a slight fever and lacks energy. What common symptoms might appear if a child has tonsillitis?
Answer
Currently, acute tonsillitis is indeed quite common, with noticeable symptoms. Children often cry in pain due to throat pain and difficulty swallowing. They may also experience a certain degree of fever, which can be as high as 40 degrees Celsius in severe cases. Children may feel weak and have headaches, and in severe cases, they might exhibit chills. At this point, the tonsils are also red and swollen. If the condition worsens, more serious complications such as sepsis and endocarditis may occur. Therefore, I suggest that if your child indeed has the above symptoms, it is essential to seek medical treatment promptly.