Lectures in Chest Medicine

Abstract

Presenting an interesting view of respiratory disease, the ten lectures that make up this book examine many topical issues and dispel some antequated ideas. After noting that only a patient who lacks the necessary mental equipment to cough into a handkerchief need be isolated, Edge discusses the concepts that have revolutionized the management of pulmonary tuberculosis. It has become practicable, he observes, to put tuberculous adults in semicubicalized hospital wards that contain persons with other diseases. And, citing the negligible relapse rate, he considers antituberculosis chemotherapy almost always successful. Treating sarcoidosis, on the other hand, yields uncertain results. According to James, Sharma, and Carstairs, some forms of sarcoidosis resolve spontaneously but others lead to disabling fibrosis. For these they recommend adrenal corticosteroids and in selected instances chloroquine and oxyphenbutazone. Edge also uses steroids to halt the ravages of polyarteritis and sometimes of lupus. He considers the patient's prognosis mostly dependent