NOSE AND THROAT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 30 April 1927, Page 13

NOSE AND THROAT.

60ME COMMON DEFECTS IN CHILDREN. (Contributed hv the Department ot Health). All ordinary breathing should take placo through the nose, which is specially fitted to prepare the air for entrance. to the lungs, the walls of the nasal cavity being damp and lined with hairs which collect dust and other impurities. 'The germs of disease are lie'll back and destroyed m the secretion of the nose. Air, tbereloro, which is breathed in through the nose enters the lungs warm, moist and ireo lrom dirt and germs. On the other hand, air taken by the mouth enters the lungs dry, cold, and laden with dust and germs, so that it irritates the throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. The mouth breather, therefore, is liable to chronic sore throat, frequent colds and nasal catarrh, enlarged tonsils, bronchitis, poor chest expansion, and is more readily affected by such diseases as consumption, diphtheria, scarlet fever; mouth breathers lend to have highly arched narrow palates, causing interference with tbe growth and development of the jaws, and resulting m irregularity and early decay of the teeth. The nose also does not develop properly, the nostrils being pinched amt the bridge defective. MOUTH BREATHING. Unhealthy conditions of the nose and ! throat are apt to result in deafness, which may be permanent; also m other ear troubles, such ns earache and_ discharging ears, owing to spread of inflammation to the middle ear. Every effort should be made to overcome the habit of mouth breathing in children by instruct ion in the proper use of the handkerchief and by breathing exercises. If, however, there is actual obstruction in the nose and throat an operation may be necessary to remove this, prior to the use of these remedial measures. Many children suffer from obstructed breathing due to abnormal conditions of tho nose and throat. The commonest of tlie.se conditions is adenoids with 'or without enlarged tonsils. Adenoids are dfio to overgrowth ot the tissue situated at the back of the nasopharynx (that space at' tho back of the throat which is the beginning of the respiratory passage and into which the cavities of the mouth and nose open. Tho tonsils are situated on either side of the throat, where they may be seen as fishy protruberauces, not large enough under healthy conditions to •obstruct, free 'air entry into tbe respiratory passage. ADENOIDS. If overgrowth of adenoid lissuo or of tonsils occurs, air entry from the nose is largely- closed, and mouth breathing fol.ows with the evil results above. .... Children who suffer from adpndids. and enlarged tonsils are, as a rule, of poor nutrition and general health. They often appear to be mentally dull, partly because their hearing may be defective. Children with enlarged’ ■ unhealthy tonsils are more liable to develop rheumatism and heart trouble, as tbe germs which cause these as well as oilier diseases j often ’ enter the system througti ; diseased- tonsils. Tims it is evident that medical

advice should be sought early when obstructed breathing is suspected in children. PROMOTE HEALTHY CONDITIONS. To promote healthy conditions of the nose and throat and to prevent the development of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, remember that sunlight and fresh air are your child’s best friends. Keep the bedroom windows wide open day and night. Stuli'y overcrowded rooms foster the growth of adenoids. Avoid the use of “dummies” in infancy. Keep the teeth clean and sound. Give children hard food, such as crusts, oven-toasted bread, and apples. Chewing .hard food develops strong, widely-arched jaws, and so lossens the tendency to adenoids. Teach children to use handkerchiefs thoroughly. This prevents blockage of the nose, aud consequent mouth breathing. In mild cases of unhealthy tousils a gargle (one level teaspoonful of salt to a tumbler of cold water) used regularly night and morning may bring about considerable improvement. If this treatment is not successful, obtain further medical advice . Remember: That adenoids and enlarged tonsils are open doors for disease germs. Neglect of these conditions' may mean permanent delicacy of body and dullness of mind. •ctaigiawaffraannceaggapwgiaMbi