What is Consumption Disease?
Consumption is an old-fashioned term used to describe a lung infection. It is also known as pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). TB is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This type of infection is contagious and can spread from person to person when someone who has the infection coughs, speaks, or sneezes.
TB is a serious disease and can be deadly if not treated properly. In the past, consumption was a leading cause of death in the United States. Today, thanks to early detection and effective treatment, the number of cases of consumption in the United States has drastically declined.
Symptoms
The symptoms of consumption vary depending on the severity of the infection. Generally, symptoms include:
• Coughing that produces bloody or colored mucus
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and fatigue
Treatment
Consumption is treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause the infection. The course of treatment usually lasts 6-9 months and must be taken as prescribed by a doctor. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms seem to go away. If the antibiotics are stopped early, some of the bacteria may remain and the infection may resurface.
It is also important for people with consumption to get plenty of rest and a balanced diet. This can help strengthen the immune system, which can make it easier to fight the infection.
Prevention
The best way to reduce the risk of acquiring TB is to get the TB vaccine. The BCG vaccine is the primary vaccine used in the United States and is recommended for people who are at increased risk of exposure to TB, such as healthcare workers or people who have spent extended time in areas that have high rates of TB.
It is also important for people who have been exposed to TB to get tested as soon as possible. Seeking medical care at the first sign of infection can help prevent the infection from spreading.
In summary, consumption is an infection of the lungs caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The symptoms of the disease vary depending on its severity, but can include coughing, fever, chills, and night sweats. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, rest, and adequate nutrition. To reduce the risk of getting the infection, people should get the TB vaccine and seek medical care at the first sign of any symptoms.