The central nervous system controls the body and can be affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Tourette’s syndrome, and meningitis. Each disease has different causes and symptoms, and there is no known cure for most of them. Made up of the brain and spinal cord, the central nervous system functions as the […]
Endocrine disorders are caused by imbalances in the endocrine system, which produces and regulates hormones. Hyposecretion and hyper-secretion refer to underproduction and overproduction of hormones respectively. Diagnosis can be difficult, and adrenal, glucose, thyroid, and pituitary gland disorders are common. Pituitary tumors can cause over- or under-secretion of hormones and pressure in the brain. Endocrine […]
Parasites that live on or in a host and obtain their food from them can cause minor discomforts to serious illnesses. Protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites are the three types that affect people. Contaminated water and food are frequent sources of parasitic infections. Preventative measures such as drinking only treated water, washing hands, and using bug […]
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is made up of nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord. PNS diseases can be genetic, autoimmune, or infection-related, with symptoms including muscle weakness and nerve degeneration. Treatment varies depending on the type of disease. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system made […]
The retina, located at the back of the eye, contains rods and cones that send visual information to the brain. Retinal diseases include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, eye cancer, and hereditary retinal degenerations, which can lead to partial or total blindness. Management of blood sugar levels and annual eye exams can prevent […]
Psychosomatic illnesses are physical symptoms caused by mental and emotional stress. They require proper diagnosis to rule out physical causes, and treatment for the underlying psychological root. Learning to manage stress and negative thought patterns can prevent and provide relief for these illnesses. Psychosomatic illnesses are caused by mental and emotional stresses that manifest as […]
Degenerative diseases like heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes are incurable but can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. They destroy tissue over time and are caused by the body’s inability to function properly. Risk factors include genetics and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Some degenerative diseases can be prevented by following healthy eating and lifestyle […]
Rare heart diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, supraventricular tachycardia, Brugada syndrome, familial dilated cardiomyopathy, and Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, often cause delayed diagnosis. These diseases can lead to serious damage to the heart and other organs, and treatment varies depending on the individual symptoms. There are several types of rare heart disease, which often cause a […]
Preventing all communicable diseases is impossible, but healthy behaviors like washing hands and supporting the immune system can reduce their spread. Vaccinations and precautions for high-risk occupations can also help. The goal of preventing communicable diseases, ranging from the common cold to extremely dangerous diseases such as meningitis, is laudable but probably unattainable. The number […]
Poor oral hygiene can lead to common mouth diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups, brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can help prevent these diseases. Oral cancer can be more difficult to detect and is more common in smokers and drinkers. Oral disorders can occur to anyone, regardless of gender, race, or […]
Spinal cord diseases can cause problems with muscle movement, vision, speech, and paralysis. They can be caused by injuries, genetic conditions, neurological and demyelinating disorders, and cancer. Treatment includes medications, physical therapy, braces, and surgery. Demyelinating disorders like multiple sclerosis and transverse myelitis can cause numbness, muscle weakness, fatigue, and chronic headaches. Cancer can produce […]
Lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are linked to an individual’s or society’s standard of living, with developed countries having higher rates. These diseases can be prevented through changes in diet and environment, but genetics may also play a role. Lifestyle diseases are believed to be in some way rooted in an individual’s or […]
Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and pneumonia are prevalent in Africa, with contaminated living conditions and lack of resources contributing to their spread. The Global Fund established in 2002 to fight these diseases is considered inadequate in addressing the problem, with half of the world’s HIV-infected people living in African countries. Chronic diarrhea […]
The basal ganglia control movement and learned tasks, with damage causing motor problems. Parkinson’s, tardive dyskinesia, hemiballismus, and Huntington’s are common diseases. Tourette syndrome and OCD may also be linked to basal ganglia dysfunction. Understanding activity changes may lead to better treatment. The basal ganglia are a collection of nuclei in the brain responsible for […]
Muscle diseases can be neuromuscular disorders or myopathies, affecting communication between muscles and nerves, leading to weakness, paralysis, and degeneration. Myopathies can be inherited and result from defects in genes or proteins. Muscle cramps and spasms are symptoms of underlying disorders or injuries. Common types of muscle diseases are neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis […]
Respiratory diseases are classified as obstructive, restrictive, or infections. Asthma and COPD are obstructive, while asbestosis and pulmonary fibrosis are restrictive. The common cold and pneumonia are respiratory infections that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Some respiratory diseases can be fatal. There are many types of respiratory diseases. They are often classified […]
Various ear diseases and conditions can affect the ear, including middle ear infections, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, deafness, chickenpox-related ear infections, autoimmune inner ear disease, swimmer’s ear, ear mites, polyps, and cauliflower ear. Various types of ear diseases and conditions can afflict the ear, the most common of which is a middle ear infection. This […]
Proper oral care is crucial for appearance and overall health. Untreated oral disease can lead to tooth loss and gum damage. Oral diseases are grouped into three categories: tooth diseases, gum disease, and oral cancers. Prevention includes proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Tobacco and alcohol use increase the risk of oral cancer. Proper […]
Motor neuron diseases destroy cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle actions, causing difficulty in walking, breathing, swallowing, and speaking. There are several types, including ALS, which affects men more due to X-linked genes. Symptoms include muscle weakness and wasting, difficulty swallowing, speaking, and breathing. There is no cure, but physical therapy and medication can help […]
Common incurable diseases include AIDS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Vaccines, sanitation, and public health warnings have helped control some diseases. AIDS is one of the deadliest diseases, while Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s are progressive and debilitating. Diabetes can be managed, but extreme cases can lead to amputation and death if not treated […]
