Notes on Alpine climate in connection with laryngeal tuberculosis

Abstract

The authors put forward a case for the Alpine climate in the treatment of laryngeal tuberculosis on the following grounds: 1. Davos has an age-long reputation in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. 2. A total record of 4,881 cases of laryngeal tuberculosis treated with a high average of success in the last twenty-five years negatives the widespread idea that Alpine climate is unsuitable for laryngeal tuberculosis. 3. Statistics show that spontaneous healing rarely occurs. Cauterization in 2,096 cases gives a general average of 36 per cent. permanent cures, and where the disease is confined to the vocal cords, 52 per cent. 4. In spite of the absence of strictly parallel development in laryngeal and pulmonary tuberculosis, the inactivation of the basic pulmonary lesion is generally a favourable factor, and to this the Alpine climate largely contributes. 5. Cauterization, therefore, in conjunction with Alpine climate, is the method of choice in the treatment of laryngeal tuberculosis. 6. Local light therapy has not yet proved its value as a method of treatment.