Question
A 7-year-old boy is experiencing throat pain, mild cough, and persistent low-grade fever, suspected tonsillitis. What clinical symptoms may appear in infants and toddlers with tonsillitis?
Answer
When infants and toddlers contract tonsillitis, they initially experience throat pain, which may later affect the ears, leading to otitis media. The child often has a fever, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in severe cases, accompanied by chills and headaches. Most children will feel weak all over, and the tonsils will appear red and swollen, usually due to inflammation-induced congestion. If treatment is delayed, some children may develop serious complications such as nephritis and endocarditis. The symptoms of tonsillitis should not be ignored as they can even threaten life, so it is important to seek medical assistance promptly.