What Are The Symptoms Of Tonsillitis?

The main symptom of tonsillitis is a sore throat. It may develop either suddenly or gradually. It may be either mild or severe.

Your child may:

• Find that it hurts to swallow. If the pain is intense, the child may stop swallowing saliva and start to drool.

• Complain of an earache

• Have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

• Complain of a headache.

• Complain of a stomachache (this is quite common).

• Complain of general aches and pains, loss of appetite and may vomit.

• Have bad smelling breath.

Because the tonsils are swollen and enlarged, the child may have trouble speaking and may even experience difficulty breathing.

What Does Tonsillitis Look Like?

When tonsils are infected, they will look redder than usual and swollen.

• A grayish-white or yellowish coating may cover part or all of the tonsils.

• The surrounding area of the throat near the tonsils also may appear red and inflamed. There may be swelling at the sides of the neck as the lymph nodes grow larger while producing cells to fight the infection.