What Disease Was Consumption?

Introduction

Consumption was a widely prevalent disease in the 19th century. It was also known as tuberculosis or TB. The disease was named “consumption” because it appeared to “consume” the body. This article will discuss what the disease was its causes symptoms treatments.

Causes

TB is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can spread through the air when an infected person coughs speaks or sneezes. When a person inhales the bacteria they can settle in the lungs grow.

The bacteria can also spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes bones kidneys. People infected with HIV or who have weak immune systems are more likely to become infected with TB.

Symptoms

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on the part of the body that is affected. The most common symptoms include coughing chest pain fever. People infected with TB may also experience weight loss night sweats fatigue.

When TB affects other parts of the body the symptoms can include back pain joint pain blood in the urine.

Treatments

TB was a deadly disease in the 19th century with little treatment available. However in the late 1800s scientists discovered that TB was caused by bacteria developed treatments for the disease.

The first treatment for TB was bed rest in a sanatorium or hospital. Patients were also given a diet of fresh air sunlight wholesome food.

In the 20th century antibiotics were developed to treat TB. The most common drugs used to treat TB are isoniazid rifampin ethambutol. These drugs are most effective when used in combination.

Conclusion

Consumption or tuberculosis was a widespread disease in the past. It was caused by a bacterium spread through the air. The symptoms of TB include coughing chest pain fever weight loss fatigue. Treatment for the disease was limited in the past but today antibiotics are available to treat the disease.