Patient's question:
Boy, 13 years old, in primary school. At first, he said his throat hurt even when he drank water. He noticed that his cough seemed to be more severe as well, and now he has a high fever that won't go down.:What clinical symptoms may occur in children with tonsillitis?Doctor's answer:
Acute tonsillitis is a common childhood illness, with one of its typical symptoms being sore throat. Many children will cry incessantly due to the sore throat. Most children will also develop a fever, with severe cases potentially reaching temperatures as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, children may feel fatigued, have headaches, and in more severe cases, may experience chills. At this stage, the tonsils of the child can also be red and swollen, usually due to inflammation and congestion. Moreover, it's not just the tonsils that are affected; further progression can potentially lead to complications involving the heart and kidneys, such as endocarditis and nephritis. The symptoms of tonsillitis can be quite severe and may even threaten life, so it is essential to seek timely treatment.