Question
My son is 7 years old. Initially, he had a slight pain in his throat, and I noticed that his coughing seemed more severe. He has also had a slight fever. What common symptoms appear in children with tonsillitis?
Answer
When a child’s tonsils become inflamed, they experience significant pain in the throat and ears, affecting normal swallowing. The child may also have a fever, which could be low-grade or as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. They may also have a headache, and in severe cases, pain throughout the body. They may also shiver and feel weak. At this time, the tonsils are red, swollen, and congested. Not only can tonsillitis lead to complications such as myocarditis and nephritis, but it can also affect the heart and kidneys. Therefore, it is recommended that parents seek medical attention promptly if they discover their child has tonsillitis.