Health Science Theory: Diseases

Chronic disease

long duration and progresses slowly

disorder

condition that causes abnormality of function; a pathological condition

non-infectious disease

diseases include all other disease such as cancer, heart disease, and genetic disease 

infectious disease

caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa

incurable disease

cannot be reversed or treated

syndrome

a group of symptoms that indicate a disease, psychological disorder, or other abnormal conditions

noncommunicable disease

not caused by pathogens and cannot be spread through person-to-person contact. Caused by factors such as genes, diet, behavior, and smoking.

communicable disease

caused by pathogens and can be passed from one living thing to another

diagnosis steps

• studying a patients medical history

• listening to the patient’s description of the illness

• performing a physical examination

• analyzing the results of diagnostic tests

atherosclerosis

buildup of plaque in arteries that can lead to heart disease. Over time this causes a hardening of arteries and that plaque can block an artery, preventing the flow of blood to the heart, brain, kidneys, & other organs. Pieces of unstable plaque may break loose and become a circulating clot, or thrombus, and can plug an artery and cause a myocardial infarction or a cerebral vascular accident (CVA).

ischemic stroke

one of the arteries in the brain is blocked

hemorrhagic stroke

an artery in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain

tetanus

serious bacterial disease that affects the nervous system, leading to painful muscle contractions, and can interfere with a persons ability to breathe and ultimately lead to death.

arthritis

a disorder involving inflammation of the joints

osteoarthritis

results from trauma to a joint, an infection, or aging; causes partial deterioration of the joint cartilage

rheumatoid arthritis

an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. The body’s immune system attacks the joints, resulting in inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule.

sign

can be seen or observed by another person

symptoms

experiences reported by the patient

endocrinologist

medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the endocrine system

radiologist

medical doctor who uses medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases.

metastasis

Cancer cells lose the ability to stick together and may break off the primary tumor & spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. It allows new, or secondary, cancerous tumors to form in other areas of the body. 

type 1 diabetes

An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

• There is no prevention

type 2 diabetes

results from the body’s improper use of insulin; accounts for 90-95% of all diagnosed cases. Can be treated through healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

• typically worsens over time. 

pneumonia

a serious case of the flu can lead to inflammation of the lungs when the air sacs of the lungs fill with liquid, preventing oxygen from reaching the blood.

chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as healthy kidneys. The waste from the blood remains in the body and can cause other health problems. 

• common among adults older than 70 years old

causes of kidney disease

diabetes, high BP, traumatic injury with blood loss, dehydration, severe infection, obstruction of urine flow, and damage from certain drugs or toxins

autism

Psychological condition that is present from early childhood. Characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships, as well as difficulties with language and abstract concepts.

• appears to have its roots in early brain development between 2-3 years old

• 4-5x more common in boys than girls

dialysis

treatment for people who’s kidneys are failing

listeriosis

an infection caused by eating food contaminated with this bacteria

biotechnology

large scientific field that uses advances in life science to study/solve problems, including human disease prevention, pathology, and treatment.

• researchers are working to develop gene therapies to treat genetic diseases

• researchers hope to use cloned cells to grow healthy tissue to replace injured or diseased tissues in the human body.

down syndrome

occurs when three number 21 chromosomes are present, rather than the usual two

• one of the most common genetic disorders in the US

rickets

caused by a prolonged deficiency of vitamin D; causes osteomalacia

hereditary disease

results from abnormalities in genes that carry a human’s genetic information

environmental diseases

can result from exposure to air/water pollution, pesticides & other chemicals, the sun, asbestos, and/or radiation. 

infection

occurs when pathogenic microorganisms enter the body, overcome the body’s natural defenses, and multiply to the point that disease occurs

chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD)

group of lung diseases that causes airflow blockage and breathing-related issues in various parts of the lung

• examples: COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma

influenza

highly contagious viral infection that is one of the most serious illnesses of the winter season

geriatrician

a medical doctor who specializes in treatment of the elderly

urologist

medical specialist that treats the urinary system

chemotherapy

Used to kill cancer cells. Drugs are administered through intravenous injections or by mouth

radiation therapy

uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors