How were demons believed to cause disease in Mesopotamian religion?

In Mesopotamian religion, demons were widely believed to be the primary cause of various diseases and sicknesses. These entities were generally viewed as malevolent wind and storm beings that attacked human beings.12

The mechanism behind this affliction was often linked to the relationship between humans and the gods. Because humans were created to serve the gods, the withdrawal of divine support—often due to sin or offense—left individuals vulnerable, effectively opening the door for demons to enter and cause harm. Once this protection was lost, demons could be invoked by the malevolent to inflict suffering.3

Specific demons were associated with distinct types of harm. For example, the demoness Lamashtu was feared for bringing disease, disturbing sleep, causing nightmares, and inducing miscarriages in pregnant women. Because these afflictions were understood in spiritual rather than anatomical terms, the primary response involved exorcism, incantations, and rituals designed to drive out the malevolent forces or seek legal recourse against them before the gods.214