Question
My son is 4 years old. Initially, he said his throat was sore, and I noticed he had some difficulty swallowing. He’s also been running a low-grade fever. What symptoms might occur in a child with tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child develops tonsillitis, they may first experience a sore throat, which can then spread to the ears, potentially leading to otitis media. Fever is also a common symptom of tonsillitis, with severe cases potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius. In the presence of fever, many children may also experience headaches or body aches, as well as chills. Additionally, when the tonsils are congested, they can appear red and swollen. If left untreated, some children may develop serious complications such as nephritis or endocarditis. It’s advisable to observe your child’s condition and seek medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible if the symptoms are severe.