Question
A 7-year-old boy, who is in elementary school, just started saying that he has pain when swallowing. He also seems to be coughing more severely, and now he has a persistent high fever. What clinical symptoms may appear in pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child develops tonsillitis, the first symptom is usually a sore throat, followed by possible ear infections, which can lead to middle ear inflammation. They may also experience fever, which can range from mild to as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the child might feel fatigued and have headaches. In severe cases, chills may occur. At this point, the tonsils will appear red and swollen, engorged with blood. Moreover, this condition can lead to more serious complications such as sepsis, rheumatism, and arthritis. If the child’s condition worsens, it is advisable for parents to take their child for treatment as soon as possible.