• History -> Middle Ages and Feudalism

• 0 Comment

What were some of the most common illnesses during the middle ages and how were they treated?

Yusuf Vivian

During the Middle Ages, people were plagued by a number of illnesses that were both debilitating and life-threatening. Many of these diseases were caused by poor sanitation, lack of proper nutrition, and inadequate medical knowledge.

One of the most common illnesses during this time was the bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death. This disease spread rapidly throughout Europe in the mid-14th century, killing millions of people and causing widespread panic. The disease was commonly transmitted through flea bites from infected rodents, and symptoms included painful swelling of lymph nodes, fever, and chills. There was no known cure for the disease, and treatment typically involved attempts to relieve symptoms with herbal remedies or incantations.

Another common illness during the Middle Ages was leprosy, a bacterial infection that caused disfiguring skin lesions, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. Lepers were often segregated from the rest of society as it was believed that the disease was highly contagious. Treatment for leprosy was often ineffective, and many people with the disease were simply quarantined for the rest of their lives.

Smallpox was another highly contagious disease that plagued people during the Middle Ages. The disease caused fever, chills, and a rash that often left scars or disfigurement. While there was no cure for smallpox, an early form of vaccination was developed in China that involved exposing an individual to small amounts of the variola virus to build up immunity.

Other common illnesses during the Middle Ages included dysentery, which caused severe diarrhea and dehydration; tuberculosis, a lung infection that caused coughing, chest pain, and fatigue; and cholera, a water-borne illness that caused severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Overall, medical knowledge during the Middle Ages was limited, and many of the treatments used at the time were ineffective or even harmful. Herbal remedies, bloodletting, and incantations were often used in an attempt to cure diseases, but these methods were largely unsuccessful. It wasn't until the 19th century that germ theory was developed, and modern medical treatments began to emerge.

In conclusion, the Middle Ages were a time of great suffering and disease. While medical advancements have come a long way since then, it is important to remember the lessons of history and continue to work towards better medical treatments and prevention methods.