At first laryngeal consumption can not in any way be distinguished from an ordinary inflammation of the larynx. A certain weakness and sensitiveness of the organs however is suspicious, also great liability to hoarseness. On the other hand laryngeal consumption may exist without any sort of ailing to the patient.
These appear later, however, when lung tuberculosis is progressing. The larynx shows more distinct outlines on the lean throat, difficulty in swallowing is experienced, pains radiate toward the ear. Food and drinks come up again after being swallowed.
The painful cough has a hollow, barking, harsh sound, provokes vomiting, and the sputum together with foul breath consists of foamy, slimy, purulent lumps. Breathing gradually becomes more difficult and louder.
As regards the duration of laryngeal consumption it generally runs parallel with pulmonary consumption. If the latter progresses more rapidly so also will the destruction of the larynx by the tubercle-bacilli be a more rapid one and vice versa. In several cases it has been observed that, if pulmonary consumption progressed or remained without any extraordinary symptoms, those with diseased larynx have lived for years, with alternating improvements and diminutions, and also an occasional suspension of all symptoms, till on account of often only a trivial, evil influence a new stimulus is given and the disease found an unexpectedly rapid completion of its course.
Until now only few cases of laryngeal consumption could be looked upon as really cured. Lately it has been tried to accomplish cures especially by the application of caustics. This will not now be necessary. But those afflicted in this way, will henceforth be obliged to try and live in air free from dust, to travel south during the winter and to subject themselves to a general strengthening treatment.
Tuberculosis of the tongue is relatively very scarce. The individual in such a case nearly always shows pronounced pulmonary tuberculosis. Sometimes tuberculosis of the tongue is combined with tuberculous sores on the lips and also on the anus.
Tongue tuberculosis forms small ulcers, generally on the rim, very seldomly on the back of the tongue. They always are very small, generally about the size of lentils or peas. They often remain unchanged for months. At times they are very painful, though as a rule the pain is mild. The male sex is attacked by tongue tuberculosis especially frequently.
The treatment before this consisted in cutting out all the diseased parts; now it will be much simpler.
Nasal tuberculosis appears similar to the common stopping up of the nose. But when ulcers are formed, the secretions from the nose take on a purulent somewhat malodorous character. But if the affection is neglected, the secretion becomes bloody and of very bad odor.
Until now nasal tuberculosis had been treated by applying caustics to the ulcerated portions.