# The Silent Killer: Unraveling the Mystery of Consumption Disease [What is consumption disease](https://carriagesonline.com/consumption-disease-symptoms-causes-treatment/) disease can be life-threatening. It can cause severe damage to the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing and the potential spread of the infection to other organs. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Diagnostic tests for consumption disease include chest X-rays, sputum tests, and skin tests such as the tuberculin skin test or the interferon-gamma release assay. Once diagnosed, treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a period of several months. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to effectively kill the bacteria and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.