Question
My child is a 5-year-old boy, and he has been experiencing a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever recently. What are the common symptoms of infant and toddler tonsillitis?
Answer
If a child indeed has tonsillitis, the first symptom will be a sore throat, making it difficult for them to swallow and often resulting in crying. Besides the sore throat, some children may also develop a fever, which could be a persistent low-grade fever or a high fever up to 40 degrees Celsius. During a fever, many children may experience headaches, body aches, and chills. The tonsils may also appear red and swollen due to congestion. Additionally, tonsillitis can further affect the heart and kidneys, potentially leading to complications such as myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.