Health Beyond the Blog: Medical Mysteries

The Washington Post Medical Mysteries column is a series of articles that tell the stories of patients who have undergone various procedures and visited multiple physicians of ranging specialties to find the source of their illness.

One particular article told the story of a patient suffering from a cough for three years. She had already undergone a multitude of tests and seen doctors of various specialties when doctors finally figured out the source of her illness, an emerging disease called Mycobacterium abcessus. After this discovery, she was placed on corresponding antibiotics and theraoy, which drastically improved her infection.

Another article explores the pros and cons of small and large hospital alliances. While such alliances may be helpful in providing second opinions and provide a larger physician network, the article noted that patients may suffer the consequences.

To read more articles from the Medical Mysteries column, go to www.washingtonpost.com/health/medical-mysteries.