What is the definition of a disease?
Abnormal condition that affects the structure or function of an organism, often causing specific signs and symptom.
What factors can diseases be attributed to?
These factors can lead to various health conditions.
What are the two main pathways of spreading diseases?
These pathways are primarily discussed in the context of how viruses and other microscopic pathogens are spread.
How are diseases classified?
Based on :
What distinguishes communicable diseases from noncommunicable diseases?
Communicable diseases can spread between individuals.
Noncommunicable diseases cannot spread between individuals.
What are some examples of communicable diseases?
Also known as infectious diseases or transmissible diseases.
Examples of temporary communicable diseases that typically resolve after a short period:
How can communicable diseases spread?
Transmission can occur in various ways depending on the disease.
What should healthy individuals do when they are around someone who is sick?
Avoid touching their hands to their eyes, nose, or mouth.
This helps prevent the transfer of germs from contaminated surfaces.
List three common risk factors for contracting communicable diseases.
These factors increase susceptibility to illness.
Define:
Infection
The process when harmful agents, called pathogens, invade another organism and cause illness. Such as:
Infectivity is a key measure of a pathogen’s potential to spread.
The immune system’s role is to attack the foreign bodies; this response can cause collateral damage during this process.
What are some common signs of infection?
The severity and type of symptoms can depend on the specific infectious disease.
What is the difference between disease and infection?
Not all diseases are caused by pathogens, but all pathogens can potentially cause disease.
For example, a small cut that becomes infected and heals is an infection, but if it spreads and causes sepsis, it becomes a disease.
What is the leading cause of death globally among noncommunicable diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases account for 17.9 million deaths per year.
What are some common risk factors for noncommunicable diseases?
These factors can lead to harmful metabolic changes and increase vulnerability to diseases.
Define:
Chronic Disease
A condition that develops more slowly and typically worsens over time.
What types of diseases are classified as heart disease?
These diseases typically do not have a cure and are managed by treating symptoms.
Define:
Cancer
Uncontrolled cell growth caused by mutations, often triggered by carcinogens.
Cancerous cells take over resources from healthy cells, potentially leading to organ failure.
Define:
Diabetes
A disease where the hormone insulin is not produced or detected, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Type 1 diabetes: A genetic disorder where the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes: The body makes insulin, but cells no longer respond to it.
What hormone regulates blood sugar levels?
Insulin
Insulin is crucial for maintaining blood sugar balance and interacts with the brain’s hunger signals.
Define:
Tetanus
A potentially deadly bacterial disease that causes:
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and enters the body through puncture wounds from rusted metal.
Define:
Genes
Segments of DNA are contained in the chromosomes of a cell.
Genes determine traits such as eye color and hair texture.
What is the relationship between family history, genetics, and chronic conditions?
Both nature and nurture influence chronic conditions.
What is disease control and prevention?
The process of managing and reducing the spread of diseases.
What is the goal of prevention in health?
To promote health and take actions before adverse conditions arise.
Prevention aims to decrease the chance of getting a disease or developing poor health conditions.