Question
My son is 9 years old. Initially, he had a bit of pain in his throat, and I noticed that his coughing seemed more severe. He also has a low-grade fever. What are the symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child develops tonsillitis, they will first feel a sore throat, which may then affect the ears and potentially lead to otitis media. Most children will also experience a persistent low-grade fever or even a sudden high fever during this time. Along with the fever, the child may exhibit symptoms such as chills and fatigue. At this point, the tonsils are also red and swollen, and not only are they inflamed; further progression may involve the heart and kidneys, leading to conditions like myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, I advise this parent that if your child indeed has the above symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical treatment promptly.