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148
GLANDS.
Glands of the neck were found to be markedly enlarged in 419
cases, slightly in 859 cases. This glandular enlargement is in
many cases an accompaniment of enlarged tonsils and adenoids,
and is directly due to infection from these sources. In many other
instances, however, it is not due to these causes, but to a general
infection such as tuberculosis. In the former case, that where
enlargement is due to the condition of the tonsils and adenoids,
removal of these has brought about almost immediate improvement;
in the latter case, however, where the enlargement is due
tc tuberculosis, the child has to be put under a very definite regime
of health in order to get rid of the trouble. All cases in which
tubercular glands have been found present to a marked degree
have been referred to the Medical Officer of the Tuberculosis Dispensary,
who has undertaken or supervised the further care and
treatment of them.
EAR DISEASE.
This was noted in 133 instances and deafness in 332 instances.
The syringing of ears where deafness was due to accumulated wax
was in a few instances undertaken by the health visitors at the
Town Hall, when it seemed probable that otherwise no treatment
would be undertaken. More satisfactory and continuous treatment
in cases of ear dicharge is desirable, and I have arranged for such
treatment to be carried out daily at the Treatment Centre, No. 228,
London Road, Croydon, by the health visitor in charge under the
supervision of the Medical Officer. By this means I hope to reduce
materially the number of children suffering from discharging ears.
DEFORMITIES.
Curvature of the spine was noted in 173 instances. Of the 173
cases, 106 in whom the deformity was slight were directed to have
special exercises at school and in their own homes, and 67 in whom
the deformity was more or less marked were referred for treatment
to the special class at Whitehorse Road School. An account of the
work of the special class, together with the results, will be found
in Table E v.
The number of cases of this deformity observed has enormously
increased as compared with that found in previous years. It was
felt that if the more severe cases of spinal deformity were to be
prevented every case should be recognised and, if possible, dealt
with at its very inception. Even the slightest signs of abnormal
curvature have therefore been taken cognisance of, as is obvious
from the large number of such children who have had simple
exercises at the ordinary school or at home instead of being sent
to the special remedial classes.