Question
My son is 1 year old. He just started saying that his throat hurts, and I’ve noticed that his coughing seems more severe, and he also has a bit of a fever and seems less energetic. What common symptoms might appear if a young child has tonsillitis?
Answer
If a child indeed has tonsillitis, the primary symptom is a sore throat, which makes swallowing difficult and often leads to frequent crying and fussiness. The child may also experience fever, which could be low-grade or as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. Accompanying symptoms might include chills and headaches. Many children also feel generally weak during this time. The tonsils may appear red and swollen as well. Tonsillitis doesn’t just affect the tonsils; it can also impact the heart and kidneys, potentially causing conditions like myocarditis and nephritis. Therefore, it is advised that parents seek medical attention promptly if they suspect their child has tonsillitis.