HEALTH NOTES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 769, 16 September 1929, Page 14

HEALTH NOTES

NOSE AND THROAT (Contributed by the Department i>r Health). All ordinary breathing should take place through the nose, which is spec ially fitted to prepare the air for en trance to the lungs, the walls of th e nasal cavity being damp and lined with hairs which collect dust and other impurities. The germs of disease are held back and destroyed in the secretion of the nose. Air, therefore, which is breathed In through the nose enters the lungs warm, moist, and free from 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 u irritates the throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. The mouth breathe;] therefore, is liable to chronic sore throat, frequent colds, and nasni catarrh, enlarged tonsils, bronchitis, poor chest expansion, and is 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 properly, the nostrils being pinched and the bridge defective. MOUTH BREATHING Unhealthy conditions of the nose and throat are apt to result in deafness, which may be permanent, also in other ear troubles, such as 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 instruction 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 the nose and throat. The commonest of these conditions is adenoids, with or without enlarged tonsils. Adenoids are due to overgrowth of the tissue situated at the back of the naso-pharynx (that space at the back of the throat which is the beginning of the respiratory passage and into which the cavities of the mouth and nose open). The tonsils are situated on either side of the throat, where they may be seen as fleshy protuberances, not large enough under healthy conditions to obstruct free air entry into the respiratory passages. 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 be defective. Children with enlarged, unhealthy tonsils are more liable to develop rheumatism and heart trouble, 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 MEASURES 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. 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 form 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 and consequent mouth breathing. In mild cases of unhealthy tonsils a gargle (one level teaspoonful of i salt to a tumbler of cold water) used i regularly night and morning, may bring about considerable improve- ! ment. If this treatment is not suci cessful, obtain further medical advice. Remember: That adenoids and enlarged tonsils are open doors for disease germs. Neglect of these condi- [ tions may mean permanent delicsey of body and dullness of mind.