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90
NASO-PHARYNGEAL OBSTRUCTION.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids were noted in 1,624 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, I find that 161 Croydon school children
were operated upon at that institution. I 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 100 instances.
DEFORMITIES.
Laternal curvature of the spine was noted in 36 instances. The
rational treatment for this condition consists of remedial exercises.
As mentioned in the last Annual Report, Miss Appleton kindly
volunteered to take three groups of children twice a week at
Whitehorse Road centre for remedial exercises. The following is her
report on the class :—
Twenty-five girls have attended the classes during the year, and
all have benefited by the exercises, although it has only been
possible to give them two half-hours' treatment per week. Ten
girls are at present being treated; two have been discharged as
cured; four have left the district; five have left school, and the
remaining four have discontinued their attendance at their parents
desire.
These children were periodically examined by Dr. Jackson,
who reported that in every instance some improvement had taken
place. The best thanks of the children and of the Committee is due
to Miss Appleton for the ungruding way in which she has spent
herself on this class.
Other deformities were noted in 109 instances. For most of
these children little could be done, but in several instances advice
was given as to the choice of apparatus, etc.