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94
NASO-PHARYNGEAL OBSTRUCTION.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids were noted in 1165 children. In
many instances the mere fact that the tonsils were enlarged is of
little practical importance, but parents are urged to secure treatment
whenever the obstruction of the upper respiratory passages leads
either to mouth breathing by night or day, and whenever there is
a history of recurrent sore throat or of chronic or recurrent ear
trouble. The exact number of children for whom operative treatment
was urged was not ascertained at the time that the
cards were analysed, but from figures supplied by the House
Surgeons at the Croydon General Hospital, 1 find that 158 Croydon
school children were operated upon at that institution. 1 have
again to thank the House Surgeons for kindly supplying me with a
list of patients treated week by week for tonsils and adenoids.
This information is of practical value, as it enables us to write to
the teachers and emphasise the importance of after treatment.
EAR DISEASE.
This was noted in 72 instances.
DEFORMITIES.
Lateral curvature of the spine was noted in 22 instances. The
rational treatment for this condition consists of remedial exercises.
A special class for such exercises was arranged by Miss Appleton,
with the valuable co-operation of Miss Higgins. Selected children
to the number of 6 attended twice a week for ten weeks during the
last quarter of the year. On re-examination of the children by Dr.
Jackson, all were found to be improved. These results were so
encouraging, that Miss Appleton kindly volunteered to carry on the
class herself in 1910, as it was found to be impracticable to secure
the services of an assistant.
Other deformities were noted in 210 instances. For most of
these children little could be done, but in several instances advice
was given as to the choice of apparatus which some children were
found to have outgrown.
AFFECTIONS OF THE HEART.
Affections of the heart were noted in 132 children. Many were
simply the result of debility, but others were due to injury from
rheumatism. Appropriate advice was given in either case. Too