Doc Holliday, a famous figure of the Old West, was known for his sharp shooting and gambling skills. However, what many people don't know is that he was also known for his health issues. Throughout his life, he suffered from a variety of ailments, some of which are still debated by historians and medical professionals today. In this article, we will explore what Doc Holliday was sick with and how it impacted his life.
Tuberculosis
One of the most commonly known illnesses Doc Holliday suffered from was tuberculosis. This disease is caused by a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, leading to coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. It was a common illness during the 19th century, and many people, including Doc Holliday, contracted it.
It is believed that Doc Holliday was diagnosed with tuberculosis in his early 20s. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to lead a life of adventure, traveling to different parts of the United States and participating in various activities. His tuberculosis, however, would eventually catch up with him, and he would spend much of his later years in bed, struggling to breathe and cope with the pain.
Dental Issues
In addition to tuberculosis, Doc Holliday also suffered from dental issues. He had a severe case of tooth decay, which caused him a great deal of pain and made it difficult for him to eat. He would often have to resort to drinking whiskey to numb the pain.
Despite his dental issues, Doc Holliday was known for his charming smile. He would often have his teeth cleaned and polished, which helped to hide the damage caused by his tooth decay. However, his dental issues would eventually lead to the loss of many of his teeth, which impacted his ability to speak and eat.
Gonorrhea
Another illness that Doc Holliday was rumored to have suffered from was gonorrhea. This sexually transmitted disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can cause a variety of symptoms, including painful urination, discharge, and fever.
While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Doc Holliday had gonorrhea, many historians and medical professionals believe that he likely contracted the disease during his time as a gambler and frequent visitor to brothels.
Pneumonia
In addition to tuberculosis, Doc Holliday also suffered from pneumonia. This disease is caused by an infection in the lungs and can cause symptoms such as coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.
It is believed that Doc Holliday contracted pneumonia multiple times throughout his life, likely due to his weakened immune system caused by his tuberculosis. Pneumonia would have made it even more difficult for him to breathe and caused him a great deal of pain and discomfort.
Conclusion
Doc Holliday was a legendary figure of the Old West, known for his sharp shooting and gambling skills. However, his life was also plagued by a variety of health issues, including tuberculosis, dental issues, gonorrhea, and pneumonia. Despite his illnesses, he continued to lead a life of adventure and excitement, leaving behind a legacy that still fascinates people today.