Unit 4 AoS 1 Common Diseases and Health Conditions

Cancer (including lung, colorectal, stomach, bowel and mouth)

A range of diseases in which cells divide abnormally without control and can invade nearby tissues and prevent their normal function. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

Cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke)

Includes all diseases of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular). This includes heart attacks and stroke (also known as cerebrovascular disease) which are mainly caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart and brain.

Cholera

A bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It is commonly spread through contaminated food and water.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterised by airflow limitation, often caused by smoking, and encompasses conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, leading to difficulty breathing.

Dementia

A number of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia, that are characterised by worsening mental processes. Symptoms may include impaired memory, understanding and reasoning which can reduce the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Diarrhoea

Means having a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement. Diarrhoea can be caused by a number of infections, including bacterial or viral infections, and these can be spread a number of ways, such as via contaminated food and water.

Gastroenteritis

An inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps, usually due to a viral, bacterial or parasitic infection.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

When blood is being pumped through the arteries at a harder and faster rate than is considered normal/healthy. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.

HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that can weaken the immune system to the point that it is unable to fight off some infections. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is at its weakest and a person has one or more specific illnesses.

Infectious diseases (also known as communicable diseases)

Diseases or illnesses caused by infectious agents or their toxic products, such as bacteria and viruses. These infectious agents can be spread from one person to another by water, air and food.

Injury

Physiological damage to the living tissue of the body caused by an external factor.

Kidney disease

A loss of normal kidney function, such as its ability to filter the blood and remove waste products.

Malaria

A disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It causes an infection of your red blood cells and can be life-threatening if not treated.

Malnutrition

Refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilisation. It consists of both undernutrition and overweight and obesity, as well as diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

Mental ill-health (including anxiety and depression)

Disturbances of mood or thought, including anxiety disorders and depression. Such disturbances can make everyday functioning challenging.

Neonatal disorders

A wide range of conditions that can affect newborns, including prematurity, respiratory problems, infections, metabolic issues and birth defects, often requiring specialised care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Overweight and obesity

Often associated with abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health and is often classified as having a BMI of 25.0 or over.

Respiratory conditions

Diseases of the lungs and airways, including asthma, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Tuberculosis

A condition caused by a bacterial infection that generally affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Type 2 diabetes

A condition that results in high blood glucose levels caused by reduced levels of, or less effective, insulin. Being overweight or obese can contribute to the development of this condition.

Typhoid

A bacterial infection that causes fever, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. It is spread through contaminated food and water.