GCSE Biology Revision "Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease"

Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases

Definition and Differences

• Communicable Diseases:

  • Can be spread from person to person.

  • Example: Measles.

  • Caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses.

• Non-communicable Diseases:

  • Cannot be passed from person to person.

  • Example: Coronary Heart Disease.

Impact on Health

• Health: Defined as a state of physical and mental well-being.

• Ill health can arise from both communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as other factors such as:

  • Poor diet.

  • High levels of stress.

  • Exposure to harmful chemicals.

Interaction of Different Types of Diseases

Disease Interaction Examples

• TB and HIV Interaction:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable lung disease caused by bacteria. can be fatal.

  • Generally, a healthy immune system can fight off TB; however:

    • Individuals with HIV have a defective immune system, making them more susceptible to TB.

  • This illustrates how one disease (HIV) increases the risk of contracting another (TB).

  • People with a defective immune system are much more likely to suffer from infectious diseases.

• HPV and Cervical Cancer:

  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is common and usually harmless.

  • In some individuals, HPV can lead to cervical cancer, accounting for about 3,000 diagnoses in the UK annually.

  • This shows how infection with one disease (HPV) can cause another disease (cervical cancer).

• Immune System Trigger:

  • Allergies and Asthma: Certain allergies or asthma can result from the immune system's response to pathogens, leading to lingering conditions after fighting off an infection.

• Physical Illness Leading to Mental Illness:

  • Arthritis: A painful joint condition that affects mobility.

  • Can lead to depression due to isolation and difficulty in normal activities, showing the link between physical and mental health.

Conclusion

• Understanding both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as their interactions, is essential for identifying health risks and promoting well-being.