The Monett times., 1922-02-10
TONSILS AND ADENOIDS
DR.. F. F. Woodruff, Denver, Colo.

recently asked her class, "What is tn,
purpose of the tonsils?" whereupol
one of her young pupils, bearing il
mind his recent experiences and thos,
of some Of his mates, promptly re
piled, "To be removed" In these day.
of wholesale tonsilectomy, it ma!
serve useful end to inquire wha
really is the purpose of the tonsils
how tonsil operations can be avoided
under what conditions the operation
is necessary, and what results may bt
expected from it.
Function of the TOnsiIs.
The tonsils are two large lymphatit
glands, located in the throat. Like
all the Emphatic glands in the human
body, their function is to destroy
germ life and to protect the body
against invasion by ro-organisms
harmful to health. In this capacity
healthy tonsils constitute asignificant
link in the chain of body defenses
against diseases. They are eminently
i worth saving.
I Reasons for Diseased Tonsils.
Because of their exposed position,
and because of our carelessness in
protecting them by keeping our
general resistance high, the tonsils
are peculiarly subject to attack by the
body's enemies, and as result are
specially liable to become inflamed or
diseased. So the question frequently
arises as to what to do about the
tonsils. 1t is a more important ques-
ton than most people realize. 1t too
often happens that the question is
postponed until there is but one an
swer-operation. As matter of fact
1T is neither normal or necessary that
the tonsils should become diseased.
The first protective measure for the
tonsils is good of the child's general
health. The child that is properly
fed, wisely clothed, given plenty OF
fresh air and exercise, and protected
from unnecessary colds and exposure
will be practically certain to retain
these valuable body defenders unim-
paired. Nine out of ten cases of di-
seased tonsils could be traced, if the
facts were known, to unwholesome
feeding with resulting digestive dis
turbances and o-intoXication, with
poorly ventilated school rooms as a
contributing factor in most instances.
Preventative Measures to Protect the
Tonsils.
In my two previous articles I gave
practical suggestions regarding the
diet and general care of the growing
child, which, if followed, will do much
to insure against tonsilitis trouble.
Constipation must be overcome. A
regular time for the bowel movement
should be set, so that the habit shall
become regular. An abundance of
rest and sleep is one of the child's
rights; early to bed, without excep-
ton, should be the rule; and up to the
age of six there should be an after
noon nap. Be careful not to over
clothe the child. AS a general thing,
owing to their higher pulse rate and
their greater activeness, children
need less clothing than adults. Dress
the child lightly, in winter as well as
in summer; rely upon heavy outer
garments for outdoor protection in
cold weather. Keep the feet dry.
Good ventilation in the house, the
schoolroom and the sleeping quarters
are important. Exercise or play in
the open every day in winter is highly
essential.
A PrecautiOn.
In addition to looking carefully |
after the child's general health habits |
and environment, the intelligent par
ent will keep pretty close watch
UNSI LllC CllllU > IIlIOdL, anu have CctIl y !
advice by physician, in doubtful
To be told some day by |
the doctor that your child's tonsils are
in bad shape and to be surprised to
hear it, is a sign that you have not
looked after that child. "Sore
throat" is not unimportant, and
should not be neglected. Inasmuch as
sore throat is the first symptoms, not |
only of tonsilitis and tonsil disease,
but, also of diseases like diphtheria
and scarlet fever, the doctor should
see all such cases early, if only to
eliminate the possibility of the acute
and dangerous infections.
Effective Treatment of Sore Throat
and TonsiNtis.
In cases of simple sore throat, OF
tonsilitis (diphtheria, scarlet fever,
etc., having been eliminated from
the diagnosis), the writer's plan of
treatment is as follows:
1. Put the child to bed in a light,