HEALTH NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17805, 2 September 1929, Page 11

HEALTH NOTES.

. NOSE AND THROAT. SOME COMMON DEFECTS. 3 (Contributed by the Department of Health.) ! All ordinary breathing should take place through the nose, which is j specially fitted to prepare the air for 3 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 3 arc held back and destroyed in the secretions of the nos’e. Air, thcre- , fore, which is breathed in through the , nose enters the lungs warm, moist, ' and free from dirt ancl germs. On tho . other hand, air taken by the mouth f 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, eni larged tonsils, bronchitis, poor chest ’ expansion, and in more readily affected ’by such diseases as consumption, . diphtheria, scarlet fever; mouth breathers tend to have highly arched, narrow palates, causing interference with the growth and development of the jaws and resulting in Irregularity , and early decay of the teeth. The nose also does not develop the nostrils being pinched and the bridge defective. Mouth Breathing. »

® Unhealthy conditions -of the nos< “ and throat are apt to result in deaf ■ ness which may be permanent, also n ~ other ear troubles, such as earaelu •> and discharging ears, owing to spreat “ of inflammation to the middle car. e Every effort should be made t< s overcome the habit of mouth-breath-t jng in children by instruction in th< proper use of the handkerchief anc I by breathing exercises. If, however II there is actual obstruction in the nose t and throat an operation may be necessary to remove this prior to the use o; these remedial measures. Many children suffer from obstructj ed breathing due to abnormal conr ditions of the nose and throat. The t commonest of these conditions is ade- . noids, with or without enlarged tont sils.- Adenoids are due to overgrowth j of the tissue situated at the back o 1 > the naso-pharynx (that space at the 5 back of the throat which is the beL ginning of the respiratory passage anc > into which the cavities of the mouth ” and nose open). j The tonsils are situated on eithei . side of the throat, where they may be [ seen as fleshy protuberances, not large enough under healthy conditions tc obstruct free air entry into the respiratory passages. Adenoids. If overgrowth of adenoid tissues or of tonsils occurs air entry from the nose is largely closed and mouth breathing follows, with the evil results above. Children who suffer from adenoids 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' tie defective. Children with enlarged, unhealthy tonsils are more liable to develop rheumatism and heart troubles, as the germs which cause these, as well as other diseases, often enter the system through diseased tonsils. Thus it is evident that medical advice should be sought early when obstructed breathing is suspected in children. Preventive Measureo. 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 lies! friends. Air is necessary for life, fresh air for healthy life. An abundant supply of fresh air is essential for the preservation of health. This applies both to children and to adults. Want of fresh air predisposes also to serious forms of disease, especially to tuberculosis, by bringing about a low state of health and reducing resistance. The bedroom windows should be kept wide open day and night, Stuffy, 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 lessens the tendency to adenoids. Teach children to use handkerchiefs thoroughly. This prevents blockage of the nose aud consequent mouthbreathing. In mild cases of unhealthy tonsils a gargle (one level teaspoonful ol’ salt to a tumbler of cold water) used regularly night and morning may bring about - considerable improvement. If tills treatment is not successful obtain further medical advice. Remember: That adenoids and enlarged tonsils aro open doors for disease germs. Neglect of these conditions may mean permanent delicacy of body and dullness of mind.