Diseases
A specific abnormal condition known as a disease is one that negatively affects an organism's structure or function on a whole or in part but is not instantly caused by external injury. Diseases are recognized as medical conditions having observable signs and symptoms. Either internal problems or outside factors like infections can cause an illness. For instance, problems with the internal immune system can lead to a variety of illnesses such as various immunodeficiency types, hypersensitivity, allergies, and autoimmune disorders.
In humans, the term "illness" is frequently used to refer to any condition that results in suffering, dysfunction, distress, social issues, or death for the person who is affected, as well as problems similar to these for those who come into touch with the person. In this wider sense, it can also encompass isolated symptoms, deviant behaviours, diseases, syndromes, and infections, abnormal variations in structure and function, and injuries. However, in other situations and for other purposes, they may be regarded as distinct categories. Diseases can influence people not just physically but also mentally, as acquiring and coping with sickness can change a person's outlook on life.
Causes:
Infectious Diseases
Only a few diseases, like influenza, are contagious and widely regarded as infectious. The bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungus that cause these diseases are collectively referred to as pathogens. Infectious diseases can be spread, for example, via hand-to-mouth contact with infectious material on surfaces, by insect bites or bites from other disease carriers, contaminated food or water (typically via fecal contamination), etc.
There are also diseases that are transmitted sexually. While other diseases can be prevented or treated with good nutrition or other lifestyle modifications. Other diseases can also be influenced by bacteria that are not easily transmitted from person to person.
Non-Infectious Diseases
Most (but not all) cancers, cardiac conditions, and mental illnesses are examples of non-infectious disorders. Numerous non-infectious disorders may be passed down from one generation to the next due to their partially or entirely genetic origins.
Social Determinants
The social environments in which people live are known as social determinants of health. In general, social, economic, political, and environmental factors are connected to illnesses. Numerous medical organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada, have acknowledged that social determinants of health have a significant impact on both societal and individual well-being. Social determinants of health in poverty are acknowledged by the Social Determinants Council of the World Health Organization.
Treatment
Medical therapies and treatments are attempts to treat or improve a condition, be it a sickness or another health issue. Therapy and treatment are synonymous terms in the medical industry. The phrase may explicitly apply to psychotherapy or "talk therapy" among psychologists. Medication, surgery, medical equipment, and self-care are common forms of treatment. The patient or their family members may administer treatments informally or through a formalized healthcare system.
A technique to prevent an accident, illness, or disease is preventive healthcare. After a medical condition has already developed, therapy or cure is used. Treatments aim to lessen or eliminate a condition, but they often do not result in long-lasting cures, particularly for chronic illnesses. A subset of treatments known as cures works to entirely reverse diseases or put an end to other health issues. Even when an illness cannot be totally cured, it can often still be treated. The field of medicine known as pain management uses an interdisciplinary strategy to treat pain. It also enhances the quality of life for individuals who experience it.
Medical emergencies must be treated right away, frequently through an emergency room or, in less urgent circumstances, through an urgent care facility.