What are the causes of disease? - OCR 21st CenturyTypes of disease
Diseases are abnormal conditions that affect an organism’s body, organs, tissues or cells. Some are caused by pathogens, and organisms have defences to them.
Symptoms are the feelings or changes experienced by an organism when it is ill. These may be caused by a pathogenMicroorganism that causes disease., the environment, lifestyle or a mixture of these.
diseaseIllness affecting plants and animals. can be grouped into two types:
communicable diseaseA disease that is caused by a pathogen and so is transmitted rather than inherited or caused by an environmental factor., which are caused by pathogens and can be transferred from one person to another, or from one organism to another - in humans these include measles, food poisoning and malaria
non-communicable diseaseA disease that is not transferred between people or other organisms., which are not transferred between people or other organisms
Non-communicable diseases include:
cancerA disease caused by normal cells changing so that they grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The uncontrolled growth causes a lump called a tumour to form.
diabetesA serious disease in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar.
geneticTo do with inheritance because of genes. diseases and conditions
heart diseaseA wide range of conditions that affect the heart., which is also called cardiovascularRelating to the heart and the blood vessels. disease
neurologicalTo do with the nervous system. disorders
Other factors that can have major effects on physical and mental health include:
dietThe type and amount of food consumed by people.
lifestyleHow people choose to live. factors such as use of alcoholAn organic compound containing a hydroxyl group, -OH. The 'alcohol' in alcoholic drinks is ethanol, produced by the fermentation of sugars and found in wines, spirits and beers. and other drugA substance that can change chemical reactions in the body.
stressThe body's response to mental or emotional pressure.
situations that may occur in a person's life
Learn about communicable diseases with Dr Alex Lathbridge.