DISEASES AND ITS IMPACTS ON HUMANS

• What is the definition of health according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)?

  Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
• How does a disease impact an organism?

  A disease impairs the normal functioning of part or all of an organism, leading to a loss of good health.
• What are the two types of diseases?

  • Communicable (infectious) diseases
  • Non-communicable diseases
• What are communicable diseases?

  Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens(Organism that cause a disease, i.e. Viruses, Fungi, worms) and can be passed from one person to another.
• What are some examples of communicable diseases?

  Sexually transmitted infections, air-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, food-borne diseases, and vector-borne diseases.
• What distinguishes non-communicable diseases from communicable diseases?

  Non-communicable diseases are not caused by pathogens and cannot be passed from one person to another.
• What are some types of non-communicable diseases?

  • Nutritional deficiency diseases
  • Degenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)
  • Inherited disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis)
  • Lifestyle-related diseases
• How are diseases detected?

  Diseases are detected by signs and symptoms.
• What are signs of a disease?

  Signs can be detected by someone other than the person affected, such as a rash or high body temperature.
• What are symptoms of a disease?

  Symptoms are experienced by the person affected, such as pain, fatigue, and nausea.
• What is asthma classified as?

  Asthma is a non-communicable disease that affects the respiratory system.
• What happens during an asthma attack?

  The muscles surrounding the bronchi and bronchioles contract, narrowing the airways, and the bronchial lining becomes inflamed.
• What are the main causes of asthma?

  • Family history of asthma
  • Lung infection
  • Childhood exposure to tobacco
  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy
• What are common triggers for asthma attacks?

  • Allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites)
  • Airborne irritants (e.g., smoke)
  • Respiratory infections
  • Anxiety or stress
  • Sudden temperature changes
  • Exercise
• What are the primary symptoms of asthma?

  Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain.
• What are the treatment options for asthma?

  • Quick relief medications (inhalers)
  • Long-term control medications (inhaled steroids)
  • Avoiding allergens and triggers
• What are lifestyle-related diseases?

  • Non-communicable diseases influenced by lifestyle choices
  • Examples: obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease
• What is obesity?

  Obesity is a form of malnutrition where excess body fat negatively affects health.
• What is the BMI threshold for obesity?

  BMI greater than 30 kg/m².
• What are the causes of obesity?

  • Excess carbohydrate and fat intake
  • Lack of physical activity
• What are the signs and symptoms of obesity?

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Increased sweating
  • Back and joint pains
  • Inability to cope with physical exercise
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Elevated blood pressure
• What are the health risks associated with obesity?

  • Type II diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Stroke
  • Coronary heart disease
• What are the treatment and prevention measures for obesity?

  • Low-carbohydrate and low-saturated fat diet
  • Increased physical activity
• What is diabetes mellitus?

  Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by consistently high blood sugar levels.
• What are the two types of diabetes mellitus?

  • Type I (insulin-dependent diabetes)
  • Type II (non-insulin-dependent diabetes)
• What is the main cause of Type I diabetes?

  The pancreas does not produce insulin.
• What are the signs and symptoms of Type I diabetes?

  Higher than normal blood glucose level, excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.
• What is the main cause of Type II diabetes?

  The pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cells do not respond to insulin.
• What are the signs and symptoms of Type II diabetes?

  Slow-healing wounds, higher than normal blood glucose levels, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
• What are the treatment and prevention measures for diabetes mellitus?

  • Insulin treatment (Type I)
  • Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels
  • Healthy diet low in sugar and saturated fats
  • Regular exercise
  • Regular medical checkups
• What is cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

  CVD refers to a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
• What is hypertension?

  Hypertension is when blood pressure in the arteries is consistently high (≥140/90 mmHg).
• What are the causes of hypertension?

  Being overweight, alcohol use, smoking, stress, lack of exercise, and a diet rich in salt.
• What are the signs and symptoms of hypertension?

  Higher than normal blood pressure and often no warning signs (silent killer).
• What are the treatment and prevention measures for hypertension?

  • Prescription drugs to lower blood pressure
  • Weight management
  • Stress management
  • Reduced alcohol consumption
  • A diet low in saturated fats and salt
  • Regular exercise
  • Stopping smoking
• What is coronary heart disease (CHD)?

  CHD is caused by a build-up of fatty material (plaque) inside coronary arteries.
• What is atherosclerosis?

  Atherosclerosis is the process by which plaque is deposited in the lining of the arteries.
• What are the treatment and prevention measures for coronary heart disease (CHD)?

  • Coronary artery bypass surgery
  • Daily low-dose aspirin to prevent blood clot formation
  • Weight management
  • A diet low in saturated fats and salt
  • Regular exercise
  • Stopping smoking
• Why are diet and exercise important in lifestyle-related diseases?

  • Prevent excess carbohydrate and fat consumption
  • Maintain normal heart rate and blood pressure
  • Improve mental health
• What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

  STIs are infections passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse.