Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-07-25
THOSE ADENOIDS
By H. Addington Bruce

A recent inquiry bears it in upon me that
many parents still are unappreciative Of the
harmful effects neglected adenoid growths
may have on their children's development.
These effects, would recapitulate for the in
formation of such parents, are both physical
and mental.
Because Of their structure and position
up behind the palate and extending into the
nose-adenoids interfere with breathing.
Soon or Late if not given attention, they con-
vert their little victim into mouth breather.
This means, for one thing, that the air
breathed in does not reach the lungs in a
way to provide sufficient oxidation. AS a
result there is general lowering of the vi
| tally, and in particular diminishing of the
vitality of the brain.
Hence the adenoidal mouth breather is
handicapped in all his mental processes. His
memory power weakens, he tires quickly
when he tries to pay attention, he cannot
think as theoretically as he otherwise would.
In time, accordingly, he is likely to gain an
unfortunately deserved reputation Tor stu
pidity.
And because be IS forced to breathe
through his mouth he usually keeps his
mouth open, taus giving himself the physical
appearance OF stupidity. This appearance
may be intensified By the 6efornl.ag effects
aoenoids oitea have on the aose causing it
to broaden at the root.
Besides which, when adenoids are present
and allowed 10 persist, disfiguring malde-
7elopments OF the JAWS and tooth may fol-
low. And unhaprily these acknowledgements
DO more than disfigure. They promote dental
decay, dental assesses and pyorrhea, and to
them must be attributed chronic indigestion.
Still further, because children burdened
With adenoids have difficulty in breathing
well when sleeping, the sleep is likely to be
much disturbed, with harmful consequences
to vitality and growth. And there is the ad-
ditional misfortune that through adenoids Ii
ability to nasal infections is increased, af-
fect1ng the general vitality unfavorably and
causing such specific disorders as a chronic
nasal catarrh and defects of hearing
AL OF which goes to explain why children
W.tE a6e.oi6s a~e as e rule s:cIz!y ard under
-oU-.s1ed looking, g every way less robust
than otEer children, and with faces that are
both eZpressionless and pale.
The remedy? I quote from an official bull
letin of the United States Public Health
Service:
"Adenoids should be removed whenever
they are large enough to give rise to marked
symptoms, such as habitual mouth breathing,
muffled voice, deafness, disturbed sleep. al
terations of the facil expression, chronic
nasal discharge, frequent attacks of earache
and discharge from the ears. Especially
should adenoids in young children be re-
moved, for with the1 it is probable that the
condition will grow worse
The operation is simple one and not
dangerous. 1t should be done under anaes-
thes1a. Relief is immediate and the health
and strength of the child usually improve rap
idly afterward. 1t is wrong to delay hav-
ing the operation done, for the presence of
adenoids not only endangers the child's
health, but few months delay may cause
considerable malformation of the Jaws, pal
ate, nose and face"