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12
By far the greater proportion of cases seen at the clinic were
those with nose and throat defects. There were in all 386 such
cases during the year. These range from a serious infection of
the nasal sinuses to a mild "nasal catarrh," and from very greatly
hypertrophied septic tonsils with accompanying masses of adenoids,
to a moderate enlargement of the tonsil, mostly due to infection
from the nose. As described in our previous reports, we employ
in these sinus cases Proetz nasal "displacement" and by this method
we can introduce into the infected areas certain medicaments,
such as Penicillin, Albucid and colloidal silver, all of which are
very effective.
In the case of "enlarged tonsils and adenoids" we maintain
a conservative attitude towards treatment, employing "tonsil
suction" for the older children and one of the tonsil "paints" for
the younger, pre-school age group. "Enlarged tonsils" are so
intimately associated in a large proportion of cases with diseased
or unhealthy conditions of the nasal sinuses, that due consideration
must be given to the treatment of both affections, for the removal
of the tonsils alone, in such instances will not bring any improvement.
The "enlargement" of the tonsils is so frequently due to
a descending infection from the sinuses, that the "enlargement"
is a sign, not a disease, and the failure of the operation for removal
to effect a cure is obvious when it is realised that one is treating the
sign and not the disease. Sinus infections in children are quite
common and we pay special attention to this probability in our
investigations of diseased tonsils. There are definite clinical indications
for the removal of tonsils and adenoids and in these instances
the operation is very satisfactory. It will be seen from the returns
that during the year we have referred a certain number for
operation but it is a small number relative to the number of patients
seen at the clinic. A certain proportion of those "referred" in
the "returns" had already made arrangements for the operation
with their private doctor and the hospital, so that the total number
showing was not actually advised operation from the clinic. Tonsil
"suction" in conjunction with nasal sinus treatment has proved
very satisfactory in a very large number of cases.
Nasal diastolisation is employed very largely for children
suffering from nasal catarrh, rhinitis, mouth-breathing, deafness
due to catarrhal conditions, etc. The improvement in hearing is
very often quite remarkable after a course of diastolisation and
vibration.
Affections of the ear, nose and throat, like many other diseases,
are greatly influenced by the general standard of health, bodily
resistance, suitable diet, exercise, climate, sunlight, fresh air, etc.
The better the general health and other conditions the less liable
to nose and throat complaints, and when they do arise they are
much more responsive to treatment.