Question
A 5-year-old girl, just started to feel a sore throat when speaking, noticed her voice was a bit hoarse, and now she has a persistent high fever. What are the symptoms of tonsillitis in children?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, they first experience a sore throat, which can also affect their normal swallowing. The child may also develop a fever, which could be low-grade or as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. Accompanying the fever, the child might have chills and fatigue. The tonsils can be visibly red and swollen due to congestion. Moreover, if left untreated, tonsillitis can further affect the heart and kidneys, potentially leading to conditions like myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if any of these symptoms are observed in a child to prevent complications.