Another condition of the throat which causes much ill-health is well known to the public under the name of adenoids.  Unfortunately, however, many people have an erroneous idea that children will “grow out of adenoids.”  Even if this were true it is extremely unwise to wait for so desirable an event.  Adenoids may continue to grow, and during the years that they are present they work great mischief.  Owing to the blocking of the air-passages the mouth is kept constantly open, greatly to the detriment of the throat and lungs.  Owing to the interference with the circulation at the back of the nose and throat, a considerable amount both of apparent and real stupidity is produced, the brain works less well than it ought, and the child’s appearance is ruined by the flat, broad bridge of the nose and the gaping mouth.  The tale of troubles due to adenoids is not even yet exhausted; a considerable amount of discharge collects about them which it is not easy to clear away, it undergoes very undesirable changes, and is then swallowed to the great detriment of the stomach and the digestion.  The removal of septic tonsils and of adenoids is most urgently necessary, and usually involves little distress or danger.  The change in the child’s health and appearance that can thus be secured is truly wonderful, especially if it be taught, as it should be, to keep its mouth shut and to breathe through the nose.  In the course of a few months the complexion will have cleared, the expression will have regained its natural intelligence, digestion will be well performed, and the child’s whole condition will be that of alert vigour instead of one of listless and sullen indifference.

Errors of Digestion.—­From the consideration of certain states of the nose, mouth, and throat, it is easy to turn to what is so often their consequence.  Many forms of indigestion are due to the septic materials swallowed.  It would not, however, be fair to say that all indigestion is thus caused; not infrequently indigestion is due to errors of diet, and here the blame must be divided between the poverty and ignorance of many parents and the self-will of adolescents.  The foods that are best for young people—­such as bread, milk, butter, sugar, and eggs—­are too frequently scarce in their dietaries owing to their cost; and again, in the case of many girls whose parents are able and willing to provide them with a thoroughly satisfactory diet-sheet, dyspepsia is caused by their refusal to take what is good for them, and by their preference for unsuitable and indigestible viands.

A further cause of indigestion must be sought in the haste with which food is too often eaten.  The failure to rise at the appointed time leads to a hasty breakfast, and this must eventually cause indigestion.  The food imperfectly masticated and not sufficiently mixed with saliva enters the stomach ill-prepared, and the hasty rush to morning school or morning work effectually prevents the stomach from dealing satisfactorily with the mass so hastily thrust into it.