Cold Lung
Originally believed to have been a disease formed in the Shadowfell by inhaling the tiniest fragments of metal slivers left behind from Divine Conflict, Cold Lung is now known to have adapted over time to be both genetic and acquired, and is in all cases fatal.
Cold Lung, though many years of attempted research, has been found only to affect those of Elven heritage and has no prejudice against the sub-race of Elf it can affect, being just as common among Drow and Sea Elves as it is againt Half-Elves and Eladrin. Though, there is some suggestion that the Shadar-Kai, who originally hail and originate from the Shadowfell, are immune though this is yet to be confirmed due to the rarity of their kind in the Material Plane.
Transmission & Vectors
If acquired from direct contact with the Shadowfell, it is believed the to be airborne from slivers of frigid metal in the air which when inhaled tear up the lungs and settle permanently.
Alternatively, if inherited genetically it is non-contagious and cannot be passed to anyone except the children of the infected host.
Symptoms
Symptoms include near constant fatigue and weakness leading to afflicted individuals rarely being capable of martial prowess or extended durations of manual labour.
It is not uncommon for an afflicted individual to experience sparodic and prolonged bouts of illness akin to pneumonia and flu, resulting in extended amounts of time in bed with a fever and physical weariness, as well as a worsening of the usual fatigue and weakness.
The afflicted will often have a constant cough which can worsen with flares of illness and may result in the production of bloody sputum ejected orally, and can be heard wheezing even after short bouts of physical stress.
Treatment
There is no treatment for Cold Lung besides bedrest, hot or cold compress and prayer.
Prognosis
Individuals who acquire Cold Lung through airborne transmission die within the first three to four decades of infection.
Those who inherit Cold Lung genetically are known to live a little longer, often reaching their first century.
In very rare cases an infected individual may exceed the lifespan expected of them, but this is not to be expected as false hope can be damning in such circumstances.
Sequela
A sufferer of Cold Lung is far more likely to contract other respiratory conditions and will often result in them being more severe.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent the contraction of Cold Lung.
History
One of the first recorded cases of Cold Lung in Eternium was Arborus Halathyr, one of the Founders of Arborea. It is believed he died due to the complications of Cold Lung.
Cultural Reception
Carriers of the condition are often pitied by the wider population due to the knowledge that the prognosis is terminal. There is a gentle and caring response to diagnosis with friends and family pulling together to try and ease the struggle associated to it.
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