Introduction to disease

A disease or a disorder is the result of an abnormal change or disturbance in the structure or function of an organ or organ systems. An illness is a more subjective state a person identifies themselves based on physical or mental symptoms.

Now, diseases can either be acute or chronic. Acute diseases are temporary, and the affected person is expected to recover from them. Chronic diseases continue for a long period of time and can sometimes last for the person’s entire lifetime.

Now, diseases can be divided into several categories. However, a disease can be a part of more than one category. The first category includes infectious diseases, which are caused by tiny organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Some examples of infectious diseases include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and the common cold.

Next up are degenerative diseases, which are the result of a gradual breakdown of the tissues of the body. Some of these diseases are genetic, such as Huntington disease.

Others are caused by infections, injuries, or aging. However, sometimes there isn’t a known cause. Some examples of degenerative diseases include osteoporosis, arthritis, and Alzheimer disease.

Next up are nutritional diseases that are caused by an imbalance in certain nutrients. Keep in mind that consuming either too much or too little of a nutrient can lead to a nutritional disease.

For example, consuming too many calories can lead to obesity, while not getting enough iron in your diet can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Next on the list are metabolic or endocrine diseases, which are a result of the body not being able to use certain nutrients. They often occur when the body makes too much or not enough of a certain hormone.

As a result, the organ for which a certain hormone is responsible doesn’t function properly. One example is diabetes, where the body can’t produce or respond to insulin, which leads to abnormal nutrient metabolism and high blood glucose levels.

Moving on to immune disorders, which change the way the immune system normally functions. For example, in Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, the immune system’s ability to fight off infections is reduced.

On the other hand, in autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system produces antibodies against its own body tissues.

Next are neoplastic diseases, which are abnormal growths of tissues caused by uncontrolled division of cells. Neoplasms lead to the formation of tumors or bundles of cells that affect normal body functions.

Finally, there are psychiatric diseases, which are mental illnesses that affect the ability of a person to function properly, such as depression or schizophrenia.

Okay, now, there are some risk factors for diseases. As a nursing assistant, you will play an important role in promoting the health of your clients, and in order to do that, you need to be aware of the risk factors that can lead to diseases.

Knowing these risk factors and correctly identifying them can help you better meet the needs of your clients. One of these factors is age. That’s because some diseases tend to occur at certain ages.