History The Black Death Questions Medium
The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century. It is estimated to have killed between 75 to 200 million people. The symptoms of the Black Death were gruesome and terrifying.
The most common form of the disease, known as the bubonic plague, presented with several distinct symptoms. The first sign was the appearance of painful, swollen lymph nodes, called buboes, in the groin, armpit, or neck. These buboes were often accompanied by high fever, chills, and extreme fatigue. The lymph nodes would gradually turn black, hence the name "Black Death," due to the internal bleeding caused by the infection.
In addition to the bubonic form, there were two other variants of the plague: septicemic and pneumonic. Septicemic plague occurred when the bacteria entered the bloodstream directly, bypassing the lymph nodes. This form caused a rapid deterioration of the body, leading to gangrene, blackened skin, and internal bleeding. Pneumonic plague affected the respiratory system, causing severe coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. It was highly contagious and could be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Regardless of the form, the Black Death was characterized by excruciating pain, high fever, and a rapid decline in health. Other symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, delirium, and the appearance of dark spots or patches on the skin. The disease progressed rapidly, often leading to death within a few days or weeks.
The symptoms of the Black Death were not only physically agonizing but also caused immense fear and panic among the affected populations. The lack of understanding about the disease and its rapid spread contributed to the devastation it caused during the Middle Ages.