Phthisis

Phthisis (from the Greek phthíein, to waste away) is a term historically used to refer to tuberculosis. The term was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but is now largely obsolete, replaced by the term tuberculosis.

History

The term phthisis was first used by Hippocrates in the 5th century BC to describe a disease characterized by progressive wasting of the body. The term was later adopted by the Romans, who used it to describe a range of diseases characterized by wasting, including tuberculosis.

In the 19th century, phthisis was the most common cause of death in Europe and North America. The disease was often referred to as "consumption" due to the severe weight loss and wasting that it caused.

Symptoms

The symptoms of phthisis are similar to those of tuberculosis and include:

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats

Treatment

Treatment for phthisis typically involves a combination of antibiotics to kill the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that cause the disease. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged portions of the lung.

See also

• Tuberculosis
• History of tuberculosis
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis

References

Phthisis Resources
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