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16
"One of the commonest defects we see in children is faulty
nasal respiration. It is quite surprising to find the number of children
who do not know how to breathe correctly. Diastolisation is aimed
at correcting this, but it would be advisable wherever possible, in
such cases, that the child should have a suitable scientific course in
the practice of correct breathing, such as the French Desfosses
technique. Correct, efficient nasal respiration is exceedingly important
and a large number have to learn how to do it. A number
of ailments attributed to various other causes are due to defective
respiration.
"In the case of enlarged tonsils we have followed along the
lines taken in previous years. Only a small number of those children
seen complaining of 'enlarged tonsils' were found suitable for
operation—22 during the year. There should be clear and definite
clinical indications and as near as possible, a certain objective in
view before the removal of tonsils can be advised. We regularly
find many cases of 'tonsils' referred for operation as 'diseased,'
when the tonsil is not the disease but the sign, and consequently,
the removal of the sign will not cure the disease—hence the failure,
in so many instances, of the operation to effect any improvement
of the complaint.
"The cases requiring tonsillectomy are now operated on at
Whipps Cross Hospital, and the Hospital E.N.T. Department has
been exceedingly helpful and co-operative. The greatest care is
taken in the selection of cases for operation and the excellent afterresults
which we have seen emphasise the desirability of suitable
and careful selection.
"A certain number of children suffering from defective "hearing
have had hearing tests done with the Gramophone Audiometer.
It has not been possible as yet, due to shortage of staff, to conduct a
total Audiometric survey of each school for instances of defective
hearing but arrangements for such a survey in the coming year are
under consideration.
"The general standard of health of the children has been well
maintained. They appear, in general, well cared for and the parents
and teachers have been very co-operative in the matter of treatment
and following out the advice given in the various conditions present."