How was tuberculosis treated around the time of the American Civil War? I've tried to find the answer, but have been unable to find any information other than the number of people who died because of it. Thanks for the help!
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I don't think there was any very effective treatement for tuberculosis (consumption as they called it then). People used to believe that it was good to go to places with fresh air, mountains etc, in Europe there were sanotariums in places like Switzerland which were popular with those who could afford them. I expect there were similar places in the USA. Injecting air into the chest cavity was thought to be helpful, but I don't suppose it did any good really. Apparently they also tried to reduce lung size through surgery. It was all pretty hopeless though. TB accounted for 25% of deaths in Europe during the 19th century, and I expect it was as bad in America
