Non-Communicable vs Communicable Diseases

Non-Communicable Diseases

• Some diseases are not passed from person to person
• They result from bodily issues, like genetic faults (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or lifestyle choices
• Cardiovascular disease can be treated with medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes
• Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by a paler, larger, rough, and harder liver compared to a healthy liver (which is dark red, smooth, and soft)
• Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease
• Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease

Communicable Diseases

• Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens and can be spread between individuals
• Preventing transmission can involve methods like:
  • Sterilizing water
  • Thoroughly cooking and hygienically preparing food
  • Using disinfectants to clean surfaces
  • Treating existing infections
  • Vaccinations (introducing weakened forms of pathogens to train the immune system)
  • Using barrier contraception (like condoms) to prevent the transfer of fluids and STIs

Cancer

• Cancer is caused by changes in cells, leading to uncontrolled division
• Normal cell division eventually stops
• Damaged DNA in cells can lead to cancer
• Tobacco smoke damages artery walls, potentially leading to blood clots and heart attack/stroke

Common Communicable Diseases

• Microbes:
  • Bacteria (cholera, tuberculosis, chlamydia)
  • Fungi (Chalara ash dieback)
  • Viruses (HIV, cold)
• Symptoms and Prevention of Certain Diseases:
  • Cholera: symptoms include diarrhea, prevention includes hygiene and clean water.
  • Tuberculosis: symptoms include lung damage, prevention involves avoiding overcrowding and maintaining hygiene.
  • Chlamydia: symptoms include infertility, prevention involves avoiding overcrowding and maintaining hygiene.
  • Helicobacter pylori: symptoms include stomach ulcers, vomiting
  • Chalara ash dieback: symptoms include leaf loss, a 'burnt look', bark wounds/lesions.

Pathogen Transmission

• Transmission Methods:
  • Water
  • Air
  • Bodily fluids
  • Food
  • Touch
  • Animals (vectors)
• Prevention:
  • Good hygiene (clean water and food)
  • Avoiding close contact in crowded settings
  • Barrier methods to prevent disease transmission (e.g., condoms)

Investigating the Effect of Plant Extracts on Bacteria

• Spread bacteria on agar plates
• Place discs with plant extracts on the plates
• Observe the zone of inhibition around the discs, indicating bacteria-killing effectiveness
• Using the plates to test different plant extracts

Stages of Medicine Development

• Discovery
• Development in lab/computer
• Pre-clinical testing (on cells/animals)
• Clinical testing (on humans)
• Making the medicine more efficient and safe to use on humans

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

• Means of Transmission: sexual contact and fresh blood
• Treatment: antiviral and antibiotics
• Prevention: Using condoms, abstinence, and screening
• Long Term Impacts of STIs and Other Related Infections: include other infections due to damaged immunity. Other examples given include AIDS and related long-term symptoms.
• Symptoms: some people show symptoms while many may have none
• Important Factors to Consider: Physical barriers and chemical defenses to prevent the entry of pathogens
• Reducing the spread through avoidance of contact with infected individuals. Using condoms and abstaining from sexual contact.

Explore the differences between non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular issues and liver disease, and communicable diseases caused by pathogens. Learn about prevention methods, treatment options, and the impact of lifestyle choices on health. This quiz will test your knowledge on these crucial health topics.