Review of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases

A comprehensive set of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary related to communicable and non-communicable diseases.

communicable diseases

Diseases that spread from one living thing to another, e.g., Flu, COVID, chicken pox.

pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

direct contact

Transmission of disease through physical bodily contact with an infected person or animal.

indirect contact

Disease spread through the environment.

fomite

Contaminated objects that can spread disease, e.g., doorknobs, desks.

vector

Living organism that carries pathogens to a new host without being infected.

physical barriers

First line of defense against pathogens; includes skin, tears, and mucus.

chemical barriers

Second line of defense; substances in the body that kill pathogens, like saliva and gastric juices.

inflammatory response

Body's response to injury where blood rushes to the site to help destroy pathogens.

sickness caused by viruses

Not curable but treatable with antiviral medications.

sickness caused by fungi

Curable and treated with topical antifungal creams.

sickness caused by bacteria

Curable and treated with antibiotics.

vaccinations

Injection of a serum into the body to prevent contracting a specific disease.

epidemic

A disease outbreak affecting many people in the same place at the same time.

pandemic

A global outbreak of an infectious disease.

non communicable disease

Disease that cannot be transmitted and develops in your body.

How non communicable diseases develop in

the body

heredity

congenital disease (present at birth, but

not inherited)

autoimmune diseases (immune system

damages/ attacks the person's own

body

*Most common: harmful/negative

lifestyle choices

risk factors of cardiovascular disease

Controllable factors include tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress.

Uncontrollable include gender, heredity, and age

atherosclerosis

Buildup of plaque on artery walls, contributing to cardiovascular issues.

hypertension

High blood pressure, known as the 'silent killer'.

stroke

An acute injury in the brain due to interrupted blood flow.

warning signs of stroke

severe headache

numbness on one side of the body

mental confusion

balance trouble

F.A.S.T

signs someone is having a stroke

F: facial dropping

A: arm weakness
S: speech difficulties

T: time to call 911

cancer

Abnormal growth of abnormal cells in the body.

tumor

An abnormal mass of tissue with no natural role.

benign

Non-cancerous tumor.

malignant

Cancerous tumor.

metastasis

The spread of cancer from its original site in the body.

surgery

Treatment aimed at removing a tumor and hopefully all cancerous cells.

chemotherapy

Drug treatment that attacks cancerous cells and reduces abnormal cell reproduction.

radiation therapy

Treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

diabetes type 1

Juvenile onset diabetes, typically develops in children due to pancreas dysfunction.

diabetes type 2

Adult onset diabetes, typically caused by poor lifestyle choices.

managing diabetes symptoms

Includes careful sugar intake and using insulin shots or pumps.

healthy lifestyle factors

Include sleeping 7-9 hours, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercise.