Miner's Lung
Miner's Lung is a disease that has become increasingly prevalent in the last decade, posing a serious threat to the health and lives of miners in Nyria. It almost exclusively affects those engaged in deep trench mining, but once it manifests, it can spread to other miners and their families, making it a communal health concern.
Stages and Symptoms
The disease progresses through several stages, each with increasingly severe symptoms:
Stage I:In the initial stage, Miner's Lung presents as a light, wet, chesty cough. This stage lasts for about three weeks and is often mistaken for a common respiratory infection.
Stage II:As the disease progresses to the second stage, patients begin to exhibit dark mucus and suffer from notably bad breath. It is at this stage that the disease becomes highly contagious, posing a risk to those in close contact with the affected miner.
Stage III:The final stage is marked by high fever, severe coughing fits, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, and a yellowing of the whites of the eyes. At this point, the disease is often fatal, with a mortality rate of one in four miners.
Contagion and Prevention
Given the contagious nature of Miner's Lung during its second and third stages, mining communities have become increasingly vigilant. Miners and their families are closely monitored for the slightest sign of a cough, and prompt action is taken to prevent the disease from spreading. Quarantine measures are often implemented to isolate affected individuals and contain the outbreak.
Treatment
Treatment for Miner's Lung primarily involves rest, exposure to fresh air and sunlight, and general relaxation. For those diagnosed early, the prognosis is relatively good, even though the patient may endure severe coughing for several weeks. However, weaker individuals and those with advanced stages of the disease have a much lower chance of recovery. Despite the challenges, the hardy nature of miners often aids in their resilience and recovery. Some communities report that inhalations of Jasmine oil, and a tincture of Artemisia annua Oil helps both easen the effects and treat the disease
Causes and Theories
The exact cause of Miner's Lung remains uncertain, but several theories have emerged among the mining community. Most of the theories have in common that the disease originates in deep trenches, that in most cases are connected to underground caves.
Brown Goo Theory:Many miners believe that the disease is related to a tar-colored liquid substance known as "brown goo," which is often found in very deep trenches around rocks. This theory suggests that exposure to this substance may trigger the disease.
Bad Air Theory:Another prevalent theory is that Miner's Lung is caused by "bad air" in the deep trenches. Poor ventilation and the presence of harmful gases may contribute to the development of the disease.
Regardless of the cause, miners have adopted precautionary measures to prevent outbreaks. If multiple incidents occur, affected trenches are typically collapsed or blocked to prevent further exposure, ensuring the safety of the mining community.
Community Response
The rise of Miner's Lung has fostered a strong sense of solidarity and vigilance within mining towns and settlements. Regular health checks, improved ventilation systems, and community awareness campaigns are part of the efforts to combat the disease. Additionally, support systems have been established to care for affected families, providing medical aid and emotional support during their recovery.
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