Sneezing. Sneezing may be a sign of commencing cold in the head. In such cases it is due to direct irritation of the lining membrane of the nose, by the inflammatory condition set up by microbic infection. Sneezing is a common trouble with many people whose nasal mucous membrane is unduly sensitive. They may start to sneeze with the irritation of ordinary dust particles or vapour, whilst the flying pollen at certain seasons of the year will often bring on an attack of hay fever.

Sneezing due to catarrhal conditions should be treated by inhaling an antiseptic steam such as that obtained from adding a little menthol to a jug of boiling water. In severe cases, the sensation may be stopped by spraying the nose with a 10 per cent. solution of cocaine. It must not be forgotten that the act of sneezing can be excited from other parts of the body as well as the nose. Some people complain of sneezing if any cold touches their skin, or if they come suddenly into sunlight. In these cases the reflex action is started from the skin and from the eye respectively, the message being carried from these parts to the nerve centres controlling the muscles of respiration.

Snoring. Snoring at night is a sign of the existence of some ailment rather than an ailment in itself. Most mothers know, for example, that night snoring is commonly caused by adenoids (which see). Any other condition, however, producing difficulty in nose breathing will cause snoring during sleep. The noise is caused by the vibration of the palate set about by the drawing in of air through the nose and mouth together, and anything causing paralysis of the palate, such as occurs in apoplexy or alcoholism, may produce loud snoring.

The cause must invariably be treated. Any little tumour of the nose should be removed, or any chronic inflammation choking up the nose passages. When adenoids are present the growths must be removed.

Spinal Affections. Spinal affections can hardly be considered under a dictionary of common ailments. At the same time something should be said of the spinal ailments of childhood so that a mother may be able to recognise any symptoms or signs which point to involvement of the spine, as early treatment is most necessary.

One of the commonest diseases of the spine in childhood is due to tubercle. The tubercle bacillus affects the bones of the spinal column, and produces various deformities and symptoms. In such cases perfect rest in the early stages will make all the difference to the child's future health. When a child complains of backache or pain on movement, or if he shows any unusual appearance of the spinal column, he should be taken to the doctor immediately. The condition may be caused by tubercular disease of the spine. The curvature may also be due to rickets or muscular weakness.

Weakness and loss of tone in the muscles from faulty positions or bad habits of lounging, or using one side more than the other will cause definite curvatures of the spine which require prompt attention. As a rule the right side is the most affected because the right side is more used, and this is one argument in favour of teaching children ambidexterity, or the greater use of the left arm and side. The appearance of spinal curvature is characteristic. The ribs are twisted out of position and the shoulder is raised. Any irregularity in the level of the shoulders indicates that an examination of the child's back should be made.

In the early stages a great deal can be done by rest alternated with drill and muscular exercise ordered by the doctor. In some cases an apparatus may have to be worn, and in very bad cases the child may have to lie flat on the back for some time. Everything possible should be done to keep up the general health at a high level by giving the child nourishing diet with such medicines as cod-liver oil and iron. Plenty of fresh air is an important hygienic point. Any muscular exercises should be ordered by the doctor. If these are done correctly they will do a great deal towards the cure of a curvature due to muscular weakness, but they are extremely dangerous if the bones are involved by tubercle or if they are wrongly performed.

Massage of the back is also a great assistance in many cases as it tones the enfeebled muscles and improves the circulation of blood through the parts. In every case it will be necessary to see that the child has a special chair and desk and music-stool which are neither too small nor too large, but of a size and shape that will prevent him from assuming faulty positions.

Sprains. When by a sudden injury the parts round a joint are stretched and torn, and there is a good deal of effusion of blood into the parts, a joint is said to be sprained. "Going over on the ankle" is a very common example of sprain. When this accident occurs there is sudden pain and inability to use the joint. The part swells up very quickly and becomes discoloured owing to the presence of blood in and around the joint.

The object of treatment is to prevent this flow of blood going on beneath the skin, and that is why when a sprained ankle, for instance, occurs out of doors the boot and stocking should not be removed, as their pressure prevents further swelling, until the part can be properly bandaged. The only thing that need be done at the moment is to put a firm bandage round the foot and ankle, using a handkerchief, strap, or belt.

When further treatment of a sprained joint is obtainable, it consists in applying ice or cold-water dressings to the part. Afterwards dry and wrap the joint in lint soaked in lead and opium lotion, which will relieve pain and tenderness. A firm bandage must afterwards be applied and the joint kept at rest, if necessary by means of splints. A doctor should be in charge of any case of sprain so that he can advise about massage and movement of the joint. A good long rest will be necessary in the first instance to ensure that the torn parts have time for repair.