Importance of Diagnosis
DIAGNOSIS.—It is impossible to over-emphasize how im¬portant a matter it is to diagnose a case correctly. Often the cause of a disorder is much more deeply rooted than perhaps appears at first glance, as, for instance, in some cases of diges- tive disorder. If not due to deficient food intake, a poorly nourished, emaciated body is positive evidence of insufficient assimilation, the food simply passing through the digestive tract with little or nothing absorbed. Absorption itself may be at fault, or digestion may be so defective that the food is not prepared for absorption. Perhaps the functions are af¬fected through mental or physical strain, worry or various other causes: but naturally, digestive disorders in most cases have their origin in errors of diet and other deleterious habits.