| Popis: |
To the Editor:— Dr. Hurley L. Motley's recent answer (Questions and Answers, JAMA 188 :1024 [June 15] 1964) regarding the diagnosis and treatment of emphysema reemphasizes the problem of evaluating applications for disability insurance benefits under private and governmental programs. In answering an inquiry on the treatment of emphysema, Dr. Motley stated, "... more information on the pulmonary function status would be desirable...." and "If pulmonary function tests reveal severe emphysema and hypoxia, a climate change... would be desirable." These comments were made, even though the inquirer presented full clinical data and chest x-ray and electrocardiographic findings. We agree fully with Dr. Motley, but we wish to focus further attention on the importance and usefulness of pulmonary function tests in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical problems as well as in the evaluation and measurement of disability due to pulmonary disease. The diagnosis of emphysema is being made |
