Fig. 28. Showing position of adenoids and tonsils in the throat.
Why some children breathe through the mouth
Frequently we see boys and girls breathing through the mouth. They do this because there is something in the nose that prevents the air from passing freely through it. If there were nothing in the way, the child would breathe through the nose instead of the mouth, because the natural way of breathing is through the nose.
The most common reason for mouth-breathing is the growth of small lumps in the throat just behind the nose. These little lumps are called adenoids. They are not natural, and should be taken out. We do not know why they grow in some children and not in others, but we do know that they should be taken out so that the child can breathe easily through the nose. Large tonsils also cause boys and girls to breathe through the mouth. Tonsils that are large enough to cause the child to breathe through the mouth ought always to be taken out. Large tonsils and adenoids are often found in the same child.
Effects of mouth-breathing
When a child breathes through his mouth all the time, his face takes on a peculiar shape. His upper lip grows long, his lower jaw drops back, and his whole face looks flat. His voice has a peculiar sound, and he finds it very hard to keep up in his classes at school. Children with adenoids and large tonsils are always backward in their school work, and may become deaf if the adenoids and tonsils are not removed.
If you breathe through your mouth instead of through the nose, go to the doctor and let him see if you have adenoids or large tonsils; if you have, let him take them out. You cannot possibly grow into a strong, healthy man or woman if you have adenoids and do not have them removed.
Questions. 1. What does the body take out of the air? 2. What does the body put into the air? 3. What effect does impure air have on the body? 4. Why should one sleep with windows open? 5. What causes the unpleasant odor in a crowded room? 6. How would workmen benefit by properly ventilated workshops? 7. Name the helpful ways in which the air is changed while passing through the nose. 8. Why do some children breathe through the mouth? 9. What effect comes from mouth-breathing?
Remember. 1. Impure air destroys health. 2. Never sleep in a room where the window is closed. 3. Avoid going into public places or workshops that are not well ventilated. 4. Air must pass through the nose before it is fit for the lungs. 5. Mouth-breathing is not natural and is usually due to some defect that can easily be cured.