ADINOIDS
These can be regarded
as small "tonsils" located in the front of the throat behind the
nasal passages. When they enlarge they can block the outlet from the nose so
much that the affected child breathes chiefly through the mouth. Also, enlarged
adenoids may block the Eustachian tubes which connect the middle part of the
ear with the back of the throat. This may lead to pain or a sense of pressure
in the ears. It may also cause infections in the middle ear and occasionally
interfere with hearing. Adenoids may be removed along with tonsils. Not
infrequently, only the adenoids need removal. Recurrent middle ear infections
and hearing loss associated with enlarged adenoids are conditions treated by
removal of the adenoids.
MIDDLE EAR INFECTIONS
Germs from colds,
sore throats, infected adenoids and tonsils may travel through the Eustachian
tubes that lead to the middle part of the ear. Middle ear infections are
usually quite painful, and even a young child will point with distress toward
his ear as the area where he knows something is wrong. A discharge from the ear
is occasionally the first sign. Fever, vomiting, headaches, and drowsiness may
accompany middle ear infections.
A doctor should be notified at once, or the
child should be taken to the hospital if a doctor is not available. The middle
ear contains important parts of the hearing apparatus. Also, since the middle
ear connects with the mastoid cells, uncontrolled infection can lead to the
complication of mastoid bone infection.
The brain is not far from the middle ear. Neglected middle
ear and mastoid infections have sometimes led to devastating brain infections.
Before the advent of sulfa medicines and antibiotics, middle ear infections and
their complications were serious problems. Now, if a doctor is notified early
enough, he can stop these infections with suitable antibiotics. Rarely now do
eardrums have to be incised to drain pus, and mastoid operations have become a
rarity.
