Pathogenic, Deficiency, Hereditary and Physiological Diseases Lesson 3 Unit: Diseases Mrs. Kalicharan

What is the scenario here?

There are different types

What is a disease? A disease is a condition in which the health of an organism is impaired. Health is defined as the complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. A proper diet and adequate exercise are important to good health.

There are four types of diseases Pathogenic diseases Deficiency diseases Hereditary diseases Physiological diseases

Pathogenic Diseases This caused by parasitic organisms (pathogens) like viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and worms. Examples: malaria, tuberculosis, cholera and influenza

Influenza Cause: Virus (pathogen) invades the body by contact with infected person. It is airborne or droplet borne. Symptoms: Headache, sore throat, muscular pains, fever

Influenza Treatment: Rest and treatment for the symptoms. Vaccine for specific strains of the virus. Control: Prevent over- crowding and exposure to the virus. Prevent droplet infection through coughs, sneezes, etc.

Deficiency Diseases This is causes by a shortage of a nutrient (e.g. vitamin, mineral) in diet. Examples: Kwashiorkor (protein), night- blindness (vitamin A), iron- deficiency anaemia (iron).

Iron- deficiency anaemia Cause: Deficiency of iron causes a reduction in the number of red blood cells which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This is because iron is an integral part of the structure of haemoglobin in red blood cells. Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, increased of heartbeat, pale appearance.

Iron- deficiency anaemia Treatment: Eat iron rich foods e.g. red meat, green leafy vegetables Take iron tablets. Control: Education about a balanced diet, food groups, etc.

Hereditary Diseases This is caused by genes passed on from one generation to the next. Examples: haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell anaemia Cause: Gene for the disease is passed to the offspring. The gene causes the red blood cells to be sickle shaped which reduces oxygen- carrying ability. Symptoms: Weakness, tiredness, weight loss, may lead to kidney failure, heart failure.

Sickle cell anaemia Treatment: Avoid situations where oxygen supply is reduced. No treatment or cure available. Control: Genetic counselling

Physiological Diseases This is caused by a malfunction of the body’s organ. Examples: asthma, hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma and stroke

Diabetes Cause: Inability of the islet of Langerhans to produce insulin. Body cells are unable to absorb glucose which stays in the blood. Symptoms: Tiredness, continual thirst, weight loss, increased urination, coma.

Diabetes Treatment: Insulin injection/ tablet Low carbohydrate diet, exercise Control: Education on the importance of diet and exercise.