View report page

129
Slight enlargement of the tonsils was detected in 13.7
per cent. of the children, and considerable enlargement,
generally necessitating an operation, in 5 per cent. children.
Many cases of these enlarged tonsils were co-existent
with the presence of adenoids, the two conditions being
closely related.
Glands.—The condition of the glands in the neck is
easily ascertained by the medical examiner, and affords a
more useful indication of the general health and vigour of
the child. One should not be able to feel the glands in a
perfectly healthy child. Nevertheless 40 per cent. of the
school children examined showed slight enlargement of the
glands, 17 per cent. showed great enlargement, and in 4
cases the glands were so large as to urgently require medical
treatment.
The chief causes of enlarged glands are:—
(1) Catarrhal conditions of the nose and throat.
(2) Enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids.
(3) Tuberculosis.
(4) Carious teeth.
(5) Constitutional weakness.
Diseases of the Chest.—Many children were found to
be suffering from bronchitis to some extent. This is usually
a temporary condition due to catarrh.
In the course of inspection only the front and upper part
of the chest is examined, unless any suggestive signs lead
to further examination. In spite of this incomplete examination,
it is improbable that any cases of chest disease are
overlooked.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis.—Two cases were notified to
the Medical Officer of Health during the year. The disease
was diagnosed by examination of the chest, and the causative