Question
My daughter is three years old, and she’s been complaining of a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent low-grade fever. What symptoms might indicate pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
If a child has tonsillitis, the initial symptom is often a sore throat, which may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing. Fever is common, sometimes reaching as high as 40 degrees Celsius. In the presence of fever, the child may also experience headaches, body aches, and chills. The tonsils may become swollen and inflamed, potentially leading to serious complications such as nephritis (kidney inflammation) or sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, tonsillitis in children is a serious matter, and parents should seek medical attention promptly.