Health Science Theory - Disease Classification & Medical Terminology

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Disease vs. Disorder

Disease has specific symptoms and a known cause; disorder is a functional abnormality with variable symptoms.

Infectious vs. Communicable

Not all infectious diseases spread person-to-person (e.g., Tetanus).

Acute vs. Chronic

Acute is rapid onset/short duration; chronic is slow progression/long duration.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Hereditary disease where crescent-shaped red blood cells clump and restrict blood flow.

Congenital Disease

Present at birth; caused by genetics or environmental factors during pregnancy.

Autoimmune Disease

Occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Zoonotic Disease

A disease that spreads from animals to humans (e.g., Rabies, Bird Flu).

Iatrogenic Disease

A condition caused by medical treatment or surgical procedures.

Nosocomial Infection

An infection acquired specifically within a hospital or healthcare setting.

Idiopathic Disease

A disease with an unknown or uncertain cause.

Endemic Disease

Constantly present in a specific geographic area or population.

Epidemic vs. Pandemic

Epidemic is a regional outbreak; pandemic is a global or widespread outbreak.

Disease Carrier

Transmits a pathogen to others without showing symptoms.

Diagnosis vs. Prognosis

Diagnosis is identifying the disease; prognosis is the predicted outcome or course.

Etiology

The cause or origin of a disease.

Syndrome

A group of related signs and symptoms that characterize a condition.

Incubation Period

Time between initial exposure/infection and the first appearance of symptoms.

Remission

Temporary disappearance or reduction of symptoms; does not mean a cure.

Virulence

The severity, aggressiveness, and danger level of a pathogen.

Medical Complication

A secondary condition caused by the primary disease.

Sign vs. Symptom

Sign is objective/measurable (fever, rash); symptom is subjective/felt by patient (pain, nausea).

Communicable Disease

A disease that can spread from person to person (e.g., influenza, pneumonia).

Non-communicable Disease

A disease that cannot spread between people (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, asthma).

Word root;“Idio-”

Unknown/peculiar

Word root; “Iatro-”

physician/medical treatment

Word root; “Noso-”

Disease

Word root; “Zoo-”

Animal