Abstract
In continuance with our series of investigations on the influence of environmental and other factors on the incidence of inflammatory disorder of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the results of our latest rhinologic survey among indigenous inhabitants of Mexico are presented. Our previous investigations since 1952, especially our long-term observations of rural and urban children in Japan disclosed wide differences in the incidence and severity of inflammatory disorders of the nose and paranasal sinuses, which were closely related to differences in the nutritional state, availability of hygienic facilities, climatic environments and economic standards. Similar surveys have been carried out by us in various parts of the world among different races living in quite different climatic environments.
The present investigation was undertaken in relatively pure Mayan descendents living in Mexico. The primitive mode of life of the Mayan tribe where this survey was conducted was in sharp contrast to the high level of civilization of their forebears. The results of the survey revealed similar rates of incidence of rhinosinusitis as among those living in developed countries (France, United States), but chronic or acute inflammation or hypertrophic changes of the palatine tonsils, adenoidal tissue, lateral pharyngeal walls and lymph follicles were rare and no chronic inflammation of the middle ear was found.
We naturally presume that the absence of atmospheric pollution, the low risk of outside infection and the relatively balanced diet, rich in animal proteins, of the natives in the village have contributed to the low incidence of inflammatory disorders of the nose, ear and throat.
