Also known as: Sinus infection
Mr. Blair is admitted to the ICU with a severe sinus infection that has spread to the orbital area, causing a 106-degree fever and delirium. JD treats him with IV imipenem and later deals with the complication of anosmia. The case drives JD's character arc about taking responsibility for patient outcomes and accepting blame even when not at fault.
Also known as: Loss of sense of smell
Mr. Blair develops anosmia (loss of smell) which becomes a central conflict when JD initially blames himself for causing it with antibiotics. It's later revealed the loss of smell was caused by his previous nasal surgeries (polypectomies and septoplasty) combined with sinus manipulation from the infection, not the medication. This drives the episode's theme about accepting responsibility.
Also known as: IBD
Mrs. Bumbry has inflammatory bowel disease and needs to qualify for a GI clinical trial. She was initially disqualified because her chart listed her age as 63 (above the 55 cutoff), but Dr. Cox discovers she's actually 53 and illegally gets her enrolled in the trial, creating conflict with Dr. Kelso.
Also known as: Back pain
Turk is dealing with ongoing back pain that affects his work as a surgical resident, requiring Carla's help with basic activities and causing him to work with the short surgeon Dr. Amato who is easier on his back. This subplot explores his struggle between physical limitations and maintaining his professional image.