A disease is any abnormal condition of an organism that affects its normal functioning. It may be caused by external factors like bacteria, viruses or fungi. It may also be caused by internal factors like toxins, parasites and tumors. The cause of the disease may be known or unknown.
Diseases are classified into two groups: infectious diseases and non-infectious diseases. Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, virus, fungus, protozoa and parasite. They are transmissible from one person to another through direct contact with the body fluids or tissues of infected persons. Non-infectious diseases are caused by chemicals, radiation, trauma or some other causes that do not involve microorganisms.
Infectious diseases are further classified into communicable and non-communicable diseases. Communicable diseases are those that can be transmitted from one person to another. Non-communicable diseases are those that cannot be transmitted from one person to the other.
The three main groups of communicable diseases are bacterial, viral and parasitic. Bacterial diseases include tuberculosis, typhoid fever, diphtheria, cholera, meningitis, dysentery, plague, gonorrhea, leprosy, tetanus, syphilis, anthrax, typhus, yellow fever and cholera. Viral diseases include influenza, measles, smallpox, chicken pox, herpes, mumps, rubella, encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis, AIDS, etc. Parasitic diseases include malaria, tapeworms, hookworm, pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, schistosomiasis, filariasis, hydatid disease, toxocariasis, ascariasis, trichinosis, amebiasis, cysticercosis, toxoplasmosis, trichuriasis, toxocariasis, echinococcosis, toxocariasis, giardiasis, amoebiasis, echinococcosis and cryptosporidiosis.
Non-communicable diseases are caused by toxins, radiation, trauma, metabolic disorders, etc. These diseases are usually not transmissible. Cancer is the most common non-communicable disease. Other common non-communicable diseases are heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, migraine, peptic ulcer, gout, psoriasis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, glaucoma, cataract, senile macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.
There are many ways to prevent the spread of diseases. The most effective way is to avoid contact with the body fluids and tissues of infected persons. This is done by washing hands with soap and water before eating, drinking and preparing food. Disposable gloves are used to protect the hands from being contaminated with body fluids. Disposable masks and disposable gowns are worn when handling infected materials.
Vaccines are also available to prevent diseases. Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella is recommended for children. Immunization against hepatitis B is also recommended for people at risk of exposure to the virus.
Other preventive measures include proper diet, exercise, stress management, rest, relaxation, meditation, yoga, massage, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and other natural remedies.
If you have any health problems, consult your doctor immediately.
