Question
A 7-year-old boy has just started to feel pain when swallowing water, with some difficulty in swallowing, accompanied by a persistent low-grade fever. What symptoms might a child have with tonsillitis?
Answer
Once tonsillitis occurs, most children will experience a sore throat, and the pain may radiate to the ears. Some children may also have a fever, which could be either a persistent low-grade fever or a high-grade fever. They may also experience headaches, general body aches, fatigue, and chills. The mucous membranes of the throat may swell, and the tonsils may becomeobvious enlarged. Further progression may affect the heart and kidneys, leading to conditions such as myocarditis and nephritis. It is advised that parents take this seriously and seek medical attention for their child early on.