The Monett times., 1922-02-10
as Baum-Analgesique or musterole t.
the outside of the throat.
Procedure With Diseased Tonsils

1 VI "
: the outside of the throat.
Procedure With Diseased Tonsils
1t is safe to assert that the parent
who has followed the advice given so
far in this article will be very unlikely
to have to make the decision as to
whether to consent to an operation
because such a line of procedure as l
have counselled will keep the tonsils
healthy and on their proper job as
guardians of the child's health. But
with the prevailing habits of living
of many families even in cultured and
well-to-do circles, the tonsils often do
become diseased; and then the ques-
tion arises, what to do. Unless the
case is clearly one where the tonsils
are damaged beyond recuperation, we
should advise that you try first what
can be done by careful attention to
the child's general health and habits
of hygiene, along the lines pointed
out above. There are many cases in
which such a course will prove eff
cacious; the tonsils will regain their
normal tone and health.
When to Operate.
On the other hand, there will be
certain proportion of cases in which
operation is clearly indicated; and in
such cases the importance of surgical
interference must not be overlooked.
! If tonsils are Sc diseased that they are
beyond repair, they must be taken out
If so enlarged, chronically, that they
interfere with swallowing, breathing
or speaking, and other treatment fails
to reduce them, they should be remov-
ed. However, the size of the tonsil is
not always the governing factor.
Often small tonsil is more danger
Gus than large one. Small flat
tonsils should be removed if, after
local and general treatment, frequent
attacks of tonsilitis persist. The re-
moval of the tonsils is also indicated
in diseases of the ears which have
their origin in chronic tonsilitis. Like
wise, when the deep glands of the
neck are enlarged and there is a
history of repeated glandular involv
ment, the tonsils should be removed. |
If the small crypts (or depressions in
the tonsils) persist in filling up with |
cheesy debris and bacteria, after
special methods Of treatment fail,
tonsilectomy should be considered.
Tubercular tonsils should be removed. !
Acute articular rheumatism preceded
by tonsilitis is a positive indication
for tonsilestomy.
The AdenOids.
The adenoids are small masses of
lymphatic tissues located back of the
nasal passages. Their association
with the lymphatic system indicates
their function as sentinels against in
vasion of the respiratory by germ
life. They are subject to inflammation !
and enlargement fro mthe same
causes that apply to the tonsils; the
measures suggested for the protection
of the tonsils apply to the adenoids.
If the adenoid tissue becomes enlarg- |
ed so that it is an impeachment to easy |
breathing through the nose, it should |
be removed. Usually the child with !
enlarged adenoids will have charac-
teristic impeded tone of voice and
certain vacant, more or less stupid |
facial expression. Removal of the
adenoids is a slight operation and |
need not be feared.
Results.
What results may be expected from
the removal of tonsils and adenoids
In my judgment the operation, even
in cases where it is clearly necessary |
is not the panacea it is often repre-
sented to be. To be sure it is well
worth while to remove from the
throat a diseased tissue which is har-
boring germs and secreting pus. But
W ONcIlOOh IHC SduSCS IlldI uIOuSAb
disease to these useful glands and
brought about the necessity for sacri-
ficing them, and to permit these same
causes of disease to go on indefinitely
to work their havoc, as they assuredly
will, in some other part of the body,
is, to say the least, the height of i'm
prudence. 1t was not merely bad luck
that you had tonsils SO badly diseased
that they had to be cut out-it was
the result of violation of some Of the
laws of health. That, perhaps, was
the first penalty you had to pay for
that violation; but if you go on vio-
lating these laws after your tonsils
are out, you will have other penalties
to pay; and you will have to keep
paying until you square your habits