Question
An 8-year-old boy, a primary school student, initially felt a sore throat when speaking, accompanied by a slight cough and low-grade fever. What are the possible clinical symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, the first symptom is usually a sore throat, which may also affect normal swallowing. In addition, the child may experience fever, ranging from low-grade to high-grade temperatures of 39-40 degrees Celsius. Besides fever, the child may show symptoms such as chills, fatigue, and headache. The tonsils may also appear red and swollen. In some cases, the child may also develop complications such as sepsis, arthritis, and skin disorders. Therefore, it is recommended that parents seek medical assistance immediately if they notice these symptoms in their children.