This happened not long after I started jogging, when I was getting to where I could run a bit.

I started noticing more and more that something felt off with my body. Easily tired. A cough that wouldn’t quit. Losing weight (I was still in the middle of losing weight at that point, so I almost didn’t notice).

After getting checked at the hospital, I was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Illness Called Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infection of the lungs by the tuberculosis bacteria. It was once feared as an incurable disease, but today it can be treated with medication. However, the treatment takes a long time, and it’s a serious illness with a risk of spreading to others.

The doctor explained the treatment plan and what I would need to do.

One of those things was about cigarettes.

“You cannot continue smoking. The strain on your lungs is too great. Quitting smoking is essential if you want to continue treatment.”

Having to Stop Again

Jogging was restricted for a while.

I’d just started to enjoy running. And now I had to stop again. “Why does it keep going like this?” I thought.

But looking back now — if I hadn’t been diagnosed with tuberculosis, I might never have quit smoking.

Life’s gears mesh in unexpected places.

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Next time: The day I quit smoking. My battle with Champix (varenicline).

※ This article is based on personal experience and publicly available information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. If you have health concerns, please consult a doctor or registered dietitian. See our Disclaimer.