Sinusitis With its Complications Simulating Tuberculosis

¹ Medical Director, Laurel Beach Sanatorium, Seattle, Washington

1. Sinusitis together with its complicating infection of the lower respiratory tract frequently simulates tuberculosis of the lungs.

2. The upper and lower respiratory tracts are simply separate parts closely united by lymphatic system and by inhalation into one specific organ.

3. The paranasal sinuses in their strategic position at the head of this respiratory mechanism are the key to the transmission of many of the non-tuberculous infectious diseases to which the respiratory system is subject.

4. In the diagnosis of diseases of the respiratory tract there should be close cooperation between the physician in charge of the case and the nose and throat specialist.

5. As an aid in the differential diagnosis of respiratory disturbances a definite outline of procedure is advisable, such as History, Physical Examination, Laboratory Work, and X-ray Study. Such a plan leads to far more satisfactory results.