Diseases

Key Notes:

Definition of Diseases:

A disease is a condition that harms the normal functioning of the body, causing illness or discomfort.

Types of Diseases:

• Infectious Diseases: Caused by germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and can spread from one person to another (e.g., flu, chickenpox).
• Non-infectious Diseases: Not caused by germs and do not spread from person to person (e.g., diabetes, asthma).

Causes of Diseases:

• Germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) for infectious diseases.
• Poor lifestyle habits (e.g., unhealthy diet, lack of exercise) for non-infectious diseases.

Spread of Infectious Diseases:

• Through air (e.g., cold, flu).
• Through water or food (e.g., cholera).
• Through direct contact (e.g., skin infections).
• Vectors like mosquitoes (e.g., malaria).

Prevention of Diseases:

• Vaccination helps prevent many infectious diseases.

• Good hygiene practices like handwashing.

• Healthy diet and regular exercise to prevent non-infectious diseases.

• Safe drinking water and clean environment.

Symptoms of Diseases:

Signs of illness like fever, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, or rash that indicate a person may be sick.

Treatment of Diseases:

• Medicines like antibiotics or antivirals for infectious diseases.

• Healthy lifestyle changes or medications for non-infectious diseases.

Importance of Doctor Visits:

Regular check-ups help in early detection and treatment of diseases.