2. 18-4 Non-Infectious Diseases

3. Non-Infectious Diseases  Are those diseases that are not spread from one organism to another.

5. Allergies  Allergies are caused by a disorder in which a person’s own immune system becomes overly sensitive to a foreign substance.  Allergens are any substance that can cause an allergy. Almost anything can become an allergen to some people. Common allergens include dust, pollen, animal dander, foods, and even some medicines.

7. Reactions to Allergens  When an allergen enters the body (through breathing, eating, etc) and are encountered by lymphocytes (your T cells and B cells) they produce antibodies like the allergen is a pathogen.  But unlike the antibodies made during the immune response, these antibodies tell cells to produce the chemical Histamine.  Histamine causes allergic symptoms (sneezing, itching, watery eyes). Drugs designed to combat this are called anti- histamines (like sudafed or claritin).  When an allergen enters the body (through breathing, eating, etc) and are encountered by lymphocytes (your T cells and B cells) they produce antibodies like the allergen is a pathogen.  But unlike the antibodies made during the immune response, these antibodies tell cells to produce the chemical Histamine.  Histamine causes allergic symptoms (sneezing, itching, watery eyes). Drugs designed to combat this are called anti- histamines (like sudafed or claritin).

8. AsthmaAsthma  Asthma is a disorder where the airways (bronchi & bronchioles) in the lungs become irritated and constricted resulting in wheezing and shortness of breath.  Asthma attacks can be brought on by allergens, stress, and exercise.  Asthma is a disorder where the airways (bronchi & bronchioles) in the lungs become irritated and constricted resulting in wheezing and shortness of breath.  Asthma attacks can be brought on by allergens, stress, and exercise.

9. Diabetes  The pancreas produces the chemical Insulin that enables body cells to take in glucose and use it for energy.  Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.  As a result, a diabetic person has high levels of glucose in the blood and excretes it in their urine leaving their body cells without enough glucose.

10. Diabetes (cont.)  Diabetic symptoms may include losing weight, weakness, and being hungry all the time. Because the kidneys are working hard to eliminate the excess glucose, it causes frequent urination and dehydration.  If not treated properly, can result in death.

11. Diabetes (cont.) There are two types: Type I (the more serious type) begins in childhood or early adulthood. They produce little or no insulin so must get insulin injections. Type II develops in adulthood, usually doesn’t require insulin shots and is often treated with diet, weight control and exercise. There are two types: Type I (the more serious type) begins in childhood or early adulthood. They produce little or no insulin so must get insulin injections. Type II develops in adulthood, usually doesn’t require insulin shots and is often treated with diet, weight control and exercise.

13. Cancer o Normally, the body produces cells at the same rate that other cells die. o In Cancer, the cells multiply uncontrollably destroying healthy tissue. o These often form abnormal tissue masses which are called Tumors. Tumors invade and destroy the healthy surrounding tissues and often cancer cells break off the tumor reaching the blood where they travel to new places and form new tumors.

15. Cancer (cont.)  Cancer is caused by many different factors. Genes, chemicals from the environment (called carcinogens ), and radiation exposure all can cause cancer.  It can be treated through surgery (where a surgeon removes a tumor), or with drugs and/or radiation to kill or slow the spread of cancer cells.

16. Cancer (cont.) To reduce the risk of developing cancer: Avoid all tobacco products since they all contain carcinogens. Avoid all tobacco products since they all contain carcinogens. To prevent skin cancer, avoid too much exposure to the sun. To prevent skin cancer, avoid too much exposure to the sun. A well balanced diet and plenty of exercise also reduces your risk of some kinds of cancer. A well balanced diet and plenty of exercise also reduces your risk of some kinds of cancer. To reduce the risk of developing cancer: Avoid all tobacco products since they all contain carcinogens. Avoid all tobacco products since they all contain carcinogens. To prevent skin cancer, avoid too much exposure to the sun. To prevent skin cancer, avoid too much exposure to the sun. A well balanced diet and plenty of exercise also reduces your risk of some kinds of cancer. A well balanced diet and plenty of exercise also reduces your risk of some kinds of cancer.