A large number of specialists have a habit of stating that the diagnosis of various diseases in their particular specialty is an extremely difficult matter. A number of sanatorium experts and tuberculosis specialists have frequently told of the great difficulties encountered in making a diagnosis of tuberculosis. Unfortunately, the large majority of patients are already in an advanced stage of the disease when they first consult a physician. The diagnosis in most of these cases is simple.
A physician may make a diagnosis from the history alone in many instances. The symptoms of loss of weight, loss of appetite, cough (particularly in the morning), with or without expectoration, a feeling of lassitude and feverish sensations are sufficient for the making of a provisional diagnosis which will be right in a great many instances.
The difficulty in making a diagnosis comes from the fact that patients with these symptoms who may