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NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are disease processes that are not contagious or transferable from one human to another. Random genetic abnormalities, heredity, lifestyle or environment can cause non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and osteoporosis. Autoimmune diseases, trauma, fractures, mental disorders, malnutrition, poisoning and hormonal conditions are in the category of non-communicable diseases. CANCER Cancer is a non-communicable disease that affects all ages. As stated by the CDC in 2005, the three most common cancers among women are breast, lung and colorectal. The three most common cancers among men are prostate, lung and colorectal. Lung cancer is at the top of the list for cancer deaths in men and women. Sponsored Links Painless Dental ImplantU.S. Certified Dentists in Seoul. High Quality Astra Dental Implantenglish.hushu.com/dentistry DIABETES Diabetes affects the way the body uses blood glucose. The Mayo Clinic states that type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, allowing a buildup of glucose in the blood. In type 2 diabetes, the cells resist the insulin and cause an increase of glucose in the blood. HYPERTENSION Hypertension is a non-communicable disease diagnosed when the systolic reading (top number of the blood pressure reading) is consistently higher than 140 and/or the bottom number, or diastolic reading, registers higher than 90. A blood pressure of 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher indicates hypertension. Causes of hypertension include excessive salt intake, smoking, diabetes, obesity and kidney disease. OSTEOPOROSIS Osteoporosis, also known as porous bone, is a non-communicable disease resulting from low bone mass. Brittle bones weaken and break from a minor fall or movement. The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, 80 percent are women. High risk factors for osteoporosis include low sex hormone levels, inactivity, smoking and diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. ALZHEIMER'S Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia among people over the age of 60. Symptoms progress from memory loss to include difficulty managing money and daily tasks, getting lost, personality changes, delusions and loss of bodily function control. HEART DISEASE Heart disease is a broad category of non-communicable diseases that affect the way the heart and circulatory system performs. Heart disease includes rhythm irregularities, heart attack, congenital heart disease, heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, unstable angina, mitral stenosis, endocarditis, aortic regurgitation and cardiogenic shock. FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia is a non-communicable disease involving the soft tissues of the body. Common symptoms include widespread pain, sleep disturbance patterns, irregular heartbeat and extreme exhaustion. Symptoms that intensify at times include memory and concentration difficulty, jaw pain, headaches, nasal congestion and irritable bowel syndrome.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Communicable diseases (also called infectious diseases) are those that can be transmitted from person to person both directly and indirectly. Diseases in this category are a leading cause of the world's morbidity and mortality and strike both the developing and developed world. The following diseases are prominent in the United States.
CRYPTOSPORIDOSIS
Cryptosporidosis, or crypto, is a disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. These parasites live in the bowels of humans and animals and are shed in the stool. The most common symptom of crypto is watery diarrhea, though stomach cramping, nausea and vomiting may also occur. This disease has become one of the most common waterborne diseases in the United States due to its ability to survive in chlorinated water. Outbreaks related to swimming pools contaminated with crypto have been reported throughout the United States. The parasite is transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
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HEPATITIS
Hepatitis is viral infection in the liver which causes inflammation and compromises the function of the liver. The most common types of hepatitis are types A, B and C. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes the least severe disease and can be prevented by vaccination. HAV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. The body will rid itself of HAV after about two months and there is no treatment except to relieve symptoms. Hepatitis types B and C (HBV & HCV) are more severe and in the chronic stages they must be treated properly or they will result in death. HBV and HCV are transmitted by contact with blood or other body fluids (semen, saliva, etc.). Both HBV and HCV cause acute symptoms similar to HAV and in the later stages may cause liver disease.
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that causes compromised immune function, which leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is spread via contact with blood and other body fluids from an infected individual. HIV remains asymptomatic in 21 percent of infected people and is therefore difficult to diagnose based solely on symptoms; however, some symptoms may include rapid weight loss, dry cough, oral thrush and fatigue. The only way to confirm infection with HIV is to be tested. An individual has AIDS when HIV has weakened the immune system significantly enough to reduce her T-cell count to a certain number, or to cause a combination of certain infections or cancers. HIV/AIDS was initially diagnosed in the United States in 1981 and has since infected millions; in 2008 an estimated 56,300 new infections occurred in the United States. Neither HIV nor AIDS can be cured, but a group of drugs called anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) have helped to greatly reduce the number of HIV cases that turn to AIDS.
INFLUENZA (FLU)
Influenza is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus. It is spread from person to person via infected droplets which are usually released in an infected person's mucous via a sneeze or cough. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, chills and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Most people who get the flu don't need prescription antivirals to treat their illness, though antivirals are available for those with more severe forms of the virus. Influenza can be prevented by getting a yearly flu vaccine or practicing preventative actions like washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick people.
PNEUMONIA
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses and in rare cases, fungi. People become sick with pneumonia when those bacteria, viruses or fungi spread to their lungs. It can also be transmitted from infected individuals whether they are symptomatic or not. Symptoms include cough, fever, fatigue, nausea/vomiting and shortness of breath. Vaccination can help to prevent infection with bacterial and viral pneumonia, washing hands and hard surfaces frequently can prevent spread of the disease as well.
SALMONELLA
Salmonella infection (aka Salmonellosis) is caused by the bacteria Salmonella. This disease is spread via the fecaloral route and is generally associated with contaminated food. Usually the contamination is in meats; however any kind of food that is contaminated with animal or human feces can cause a Salmonella infection. Symptoms appear about 12 to 72 hours after consuming the contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Symptoms are usually mild and disappear after about a week, however in vulnerable populations (the elderly, infants and immuno-compromised individuals) infection may lead to hospitalization. Salmonella can be prevented by refraining from eating raw meat, eggs and poultry, preparing food in clean places, cooking meat to proper temperatures and washing hands before preparing food. People who have active diarrhea should not prepare food for others and restaurant workers with diarrhea should not come to work. This disease generally goes away by itself, but antibiotics can be used to treat the disease quickly.
SHIGELLA
Shiegella infection (aka Shigellosis) is another food-borne illness and is caused by the bacteria Shigella. It, too, is spread via the fecal-oral route. Symptoms appear 24 to 48 hours following infection and will persist for about a week; they include diarrhea (may be bloody), fever and abdominal cramps. Vegetables that are contaminated and then eaten can spread this disease, as can flies that transport the disease from feces onto food; water can become contaminated from sewage and drinking or swimming in untreated water may result in infection. Infection with Shigella can be prevented by practicing frequent hand-washing and keeping areas that may be infected with feces clean. Washing vegetables and disinfecting potentially contaminated drinking water can also prevent Shigellosis. The disease will run its course in about a week but more severe infections can be treated with antibiotics.
STAPH INFECTION
Staph infections are caused by infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus. These bacteria live everywhere, including the skin of healthy people. Infection with these bacteria occurs when the skin is cut or abraded and is particularly dangerous in hospitalized individuals as their immune systems are usually compromised. Staphylococcus can also infect food and cause food-borne infection. Skin symptoms can range from mild to severe and include boils, cellulitis and impetigo. Symptoms of food poisoning come on fast, within six hours of eating infected food, and include abdominal cramps, vomiting and nausea. Staphylococcus can also infect the blood stream (bacteremia), cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and septic arthritis. Prevention measures include keeping wounds clean, refraining from sharing personal items and washing hands. TSS can be prevented by changing tampons frequently and using low-absorption tampons.
STREP THROAT
Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus. Its symptoms are similar to the common cold and other respiratory infections and include throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever and red spots on the soft and hard palette. Untreated strep throat can cause kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. Strep throat is transmitted via the respiratory droplets of an infected individual. Prevention methods are similar to those of other respiratory infections. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough and don't share personal items with those who are sick. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics and mild pain killers can help reduce throat irritation.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
Tuberculosis is a severe respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Mycobaterium tuberulosis. TB is transmitted via infected airborne droplets that are inhaled into the respiratory tract. There are two stages of TB, latent and active. People in the latent stage are more vulnerable to getting active TB than people who haven't been exposed to the
bacteria. People in the active stage are symptomatic and contagious. Symptoms of TB include a bad cough that may last for three weeks or longer, pain in the chest, coughing up blood and weakness. If TB remains untreated death may occur. The best way to prevent getting both latent and active TB infections is to refrain from prolonged contact with known TB patients; persons who have latent TB and are at high risk for becoming actively TB should start treatment. Active TB can be treated by taking specific antibiotics for 6 to 12 months. Adherence to active TB treatment is extremely important as it prevents the infection from becoming drug resistant.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are disease processes that are not contagious or transferable from one human to another. Random genetic abnormalities, heredity, lifestyle or environment can cause non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and osteoporosis. Autoimmune diseases, trauma, fractures, mental disorders, malnutrition, poisoning and hormonal conditions are in the category of non-communicable diseases. CANCER Cancer is a non-communicable disease that affects all ages. As stated by the CDC in 2005, the three most common cancers among women are breast, lung and colorectal. The three most common cancers among men are prostate, lung and colorectal. Lung cancer is at the top of the list for cancer deaths in men and women. Sponsored Links Painless Dental ImplantU.S. Certified Dentists in Seoul. High Quality Astra Dental Implantenglish.hushu.com/dentistry DIABETES Diabetes affects the way the body uses blood glucose. The Mayo Clinic states that type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, allowing a buildup of glucose in the blood. In type 2 diabetes, the cells resist the insulin and cause an increase of glucose in the blood. HYPERTENSION Hypertension is a non-communicable disease diagnosed when the systolic reading (top number of the blood pressure reading) is consistently higher than 140 and/or the bottom number, or diastolic reading, registers higher than 90. A blood pressure of 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher indicates hypertension. Causes of hypertension include excessive salt intake, smoking, diabetes, obesity and kidney disease. OSTEOPOROSIS Osteoporosis, also known as porous bone, is a non-communicable disease resulting from low bone mass. Brittle bones weaken and break from a minor fall or movement. The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, 80 percent are women. High risk factors for osteoporosis include low sex hormone levels, inactivity, smoking and diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. ALZHEIMER'S Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia among people over the age of 60. Symptoms progress from memory loss to include difficulty managing money and daily tasks, getting lost, personality changes, delusions and loss of bodily function control. HEART DISEASE Heart disease is a broad category of non-communicable diseases that affect the way the heart and circulatory system performs. Heart disease includes rhythm irregularities, heart attack, congenital heart disease, heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, unstable angina, mitral stenosis, endocarditis, aortic regurgitation and cardiogenic shock. FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia is a non-communicable disease involving the soft tissues of the body. Common symptoms include widespread pain, sleep disturbance patterns, irregular heartbeat and extreme exhaustion. Symptoms that intensify at times include memory and concentration difficulty, jaw pain, headaches, nasal congestion and irritable bowel syndrome.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Communicable diseases (also called infectious diseases) are those that can be transmitted from person to person both directly and indirectly. Diseases in this category are a leading cause of the world's morbidity and mortality and strike both the developing and developed world. The following diseases are prominent in the United States.
CRYPTOSPORIDOSIS
Cryptosporidosis, or crypto, is a disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. These parasites live in the bowels of humans and animals and are shed in the stool. The most common symptom of crypto is watery diarrhea, though stomach cramping, nausea and vomiting may also occur. This disease has become one of the most common waterborne diseases in the United States due to its ability to survive in chlorinated water. Outbreaks related to swimming pools contaminated with crypto have been reported throughout the United States. The parasite is transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
Sponsored Links
Lose 10 Pounds In 3 Days The Ultimate Healthy Living Toolbar Get Daily Fitness Tips & More.
Freewww.dailyfitnesscenter.com
HEPATITIS
Hepatitis is viral infection in the liver which causes inflammation and compromises the function of the liver. The most common types of hepatitis are types A, B and C. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes the least severe disease and can be prevented by vaccination. HAV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. The body will rid itself of HAV after about two months and there is no treatment except to relieve symptoms. Hepatitis types B and C (HBV & HCV) are more severe and in the chronic stages they must be treated properly or they will result in death. HBV and HCV are transmitted by contact with blood or other body fluids (semen, saliva, etc.). Both HBV and HCV cause acute symptoms similar to HAV and in the later stages may cause liver disease.
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that causes compromised immune function, which leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is spread via contact with blood and other body fluids from an infected individual. HIV remains asymptomatic in 21 percent of infected people and is therefore difficult to diagnose based solely on symptoms; however, some symptoms may include rapid weight loss, dry cough, oral thrush and fatigue. The only way to confirm infection with HIV is to be tested. An individual has AIDS when HIV has weakened the immune system significantly enough to reduce her T-cell count to a certain number, or to cause a combination of certain infections or cancers. HIV/AIDS was initially diagnosed in the United States in 1981 and has since infected millions; in 2008 an estimated 56,300 new infections occurred in the United States. Neither HIV nor AIDS can be cured, but a group of drugs called anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) have helped to greatly reduce the number of HIV cases that turn to AIDS.
INFLUENZA (FLU)
Influenza is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus. It is spread from person to person via infected droplets which are usually released in an infected person's mucous via a sneeze or cough. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, chills and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Most people who get the flu don't need prescription antivirals to treat their illness, though antivirals are available for those with more severe forms of the virus. Influenza can be prevented by getting a yearly flu vaccine or practicing preventative actions like washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick people.
PNEUMONIA
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses and in rare cases, fungi. People become sick with pneumonia when those bacteria, viruses or fungi spread to their lungs. It can also be transmitted from infected individuals whether they are symptomatic or not. Symptoms include cough, fever, fatigue, nausea/vomiting and shortness of breath. Vaccination can help to prevent infection with bacterial and viral pneumonia, washing hands and hard surfaces frequently can prevent spread of the disease as well.
SALMONELLA
Salmonella infection (aka Salmonellosis) is caused by the bacteria Salmonella. This disease is spread via the fecaloral route and is generally associated with contaminated food. Usually the contamination is in meats; however any kind of food that is contaminated with animal or human feces can cause a Salmonella infection. Symptoms appear about 12 to 72 hours after consuming the contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Symptoms are usually mild and disappear after about a week, however in vulnerable populations (the elderly, infants and immuno-compromised individuals) infection may lead to hospitalization. Salmonella can be prevented by refraining from eating raw meat, eggs and poultry, preparing food in clean places, cooking meat to proper temperatures and washing hands before preparing food. People who have active diarrhea should not prepare food for others and restaurant workers with diarrhea should not come to work. This disease generally goes away by itself, but antibiotics can be used to treat the disease quickly.
SHIGELLA
Shiegella infection (aka Shigellosis) is another food-borne illness and is caused by the bacteria Shigella. It, too, is spread via the fecal-oral route. Symptoms appear 24 to 48 hours following infection and will persist for about a week; they include diarrhea (may be bloody), fever and abdominal cramps. Vegetables that are contaminated and then eaten can spread this disease, as can flies that transport the disease from feces onto food; water can become contaminated from sewage and drinking or swimming in untreated water may result in infection. Infection with Shigella can be prevented by practicing frequent hand-washing and keeping areas that may be infected with feces clean. Washing vegetables and disinfecting potentially contaminated drinking water can also prevent Shigellosis. The disease will run its course in about a week but more severe infections can be treated with antibiotics.
STAPH INFECTION
Staph infections are caused by infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus. These bacteria live everywhere, including the skin of healthy people. Infection with these bacteria occurs when the skin is cut or abraded and is particularly dangerous in hospitalized individuals as their immune systems are usually compromised. Staphylococcus can also infect food and cause food-borne infection. Skin symptoms can range from mild to severe and include boils, cellulitis and impetigo. Symptoms of food poisoning come on fast, within six hours of eating infected food, and include abdominal cramps, vomiting and nausea. Staphylococcus can also infect the blood stream (bacteremia), cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and septic arthritis. Prevention measures include keeping wounds clean, refraining from sharing personal items and washing hands. TSS can be prevented by changing tampons frequently and using low-absorption tampons.
STREP THROAT
Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus. Its symptoms are similar to the common cold and other respiratory infections and include throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever and red spots on the soft and hard palette. Untreated strep throat can cause kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. Strep throat is transmitted via the respiratory droplets of an infected individual. Prevention methods are similar to those of other respiratory infections. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough and don't share personal items with those who are sick. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics and mild pain killers can help reduce throat irritation.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
Tuberculosis is a severe respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Mycobaterium tuberulosis. TB is transmitted via infected airborne droplets that are inhaled into the respiratory tract. There are two stages of TB, latent and active. People in the latent stage are more vulnerable to getting active TB than people who haven't been exposed to the
bacteria. People in the active stage are symptomatic and contagious. Symptoms of TB include a bad cough that may last for three weeks or longer, pain in the chest, coughing up blood and weakness. If TB remains untreated death may occur. The best way to prevent getting both latent and active TB infections is to refrain from prolonged contact with known TB patients; persons who have latent TB and are at high risk for becoming actively TB should start treatment. Active TB can be treated by taking specific antibiotics for 6 to 12 months. Adherence to active TB treatment is extremely important as it prevents the infection from becoming drug resistant.
