Question
A four-year-old boy is experiencing a sore throat and hoarseness, with a persistent high fever. What are the clinical symptoms of pediatric tonsillitis?
Answer
The tonsils are located at the back of the throat, and when they become inflamed, common symptoms include:
- Throat pain and difficulty swallowing: The child may feel pain in the throat, making it hard or painful to swallow food or water.
- Fever: Some children may have a persistent low-grade fever, while others may experience high fevers up to 40 degrees Celsius.
- Other symptoms: Children with fever may also experience headaches, body aches, and chills. Additionally, due to the congestion of the mucous membrane in the throat, the tonsils may become visibly enlarged. If left untreated, some children may develop serious complications such as kidney inflammation and myocarditis. It is recommended to monitor the child’s symptoms, and if the situation is severe, seek medical diagnosis and treatment at a hospital as soon as possible.