Breathing is the first law of life. No one can live more than a few minutes without an adequate supply of oxygen. We must breathe fresh air to stay alive. To make this possible, nature has provided us with a remarkable living pipeline — the windpipe; trachea. If that lifeline were blocked or cut off, we can't survive more than a few minutes. Coughing is nature's attempt to keep that lifeline clear. Air must be kept flowing in and out of the body.
Not all coughs are caused by a blockade in the windpipe, it could also be caused by germs found in the lungs....as was the case with my aunt. She just concluded her 53rd birthday ceremony. A celebration that saw all of her business associates from around the world troop in to wish her well. It proved how hard she worked and her effort to maintain good relationship with her clients. Unfortunately, due to her very busy schedule, she hardly found time for her health.
After the celebration, we were all sitting together with my parents at her house when we noticed momentary high pitched coughs from her. This went on for a while till the coughing became more serious, with each one becoming more severe than the former. Soon, we noticed blood stains on the handkerchief she used to cover her mouth. My mum couldn't take it anymore. She asked her what was wrong but my aunt, now weak from so much coughing replied, "I don't know". " How do you mean?", said my mum. "Have you gone for a check up?". My aunt shook her head and immediately began another round of coughing which again, resulted in another bloody handkerchief. This was too much! She had to see a doctor!!!.
After a few tests were conducted, she was diagnosed of Tuberculosis. She was given Isoniazid (INH) and Streptomycin, and also advised to rest more often and breathe in more of fresh air rather than the frequent air conditioner she was used to in her home and office. She was also given lots of Vitamin C tablets.
WORD COUNT: 350 words
Join 