Disease Classification and Etiology
Disease Classification
Genetic Diseases
These diseases arise from modifications in the genome. Hereditary diseases occur when these modifications are passed down through generations. If the alteration is on a sex chromosome, it results in a sex-linked inherited disease, typically affecting only one sex. Mitochondrial inherited diseases involve modifications in mitochondrial DNA, always originating from the mother.
Degenerative Diseases
These involve impaired regenerative ability. Sometimes, the body loses its ability to regenerate (e.g., Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s), while in other cases, regeneration doesn’t stop (e.g., some cancers).
Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system attacks the body.
Exogenous Diseases
Caused by external factors.
Traumatic Diseases
Result from accidents. Congenital diseases, while sometimes considered endogenous, can be exogenous, often traumatic, occurring before birth (e.g., shock, maternal illness, pollutants).
Infectious Diseases
Caused by microscopic agents like bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, viroids, and prions. Venereal diseases are infectious diseases transmitted through sex. When the pathogen is macroscopic, the disease is parasitic.
Nutritional Diseases
Stem from inadequate nutrition. Deficiency diseases are due to diets lacking in vitamins.
Iatrogenic Diseases
Caused by medical error or negligence.
Environmental Diseases
Occur in the individual’s environment, with occupational diseases being increasingly significant. Toxic diseases are caused by poisons, including pollutants and food poisoning.
Allergic Diseases
Sometimes considered endogenous, these are caused by a disproportionate immune system response.
Postural Diseases
Caused by prolonged bad posture.
Other Classifications
- Acute: Clear start and end.
- Chronic: No clear end.
- Pandemic: Affects everyone at once.
- Epidemic: Affects many in a specific area.
- Endemic: Affects a particular place.
- Sporadic: Affects only a few people.
Systems Affected
- Respiratory
- Lung
- Genitourinary
- Circulatory
- Gastrointestinal
Etiology: The Origin and Cause of Disease
Health
Defined as the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of an organism. The WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. This broad concept encompasses many aspects.
Mental Health
Deals with the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of psychological disorders, including those related to sexual identity.
Public Health
Encompasses health promotion and public health systems (hospitals, clinics, campaigns, outreach).
Sexual Health
Addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of an individual’s sexuality.
Reproductive Health
Concerns reproductive processes, organs, and systems, including sexual dysfunction and infertility.
- Maternal Health: Health of the mother before, during, and after childbirth.
- Family Planning: Control of birth, including contraception and abortion.
Environmental Health
Studies the physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect health. Hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity also influence health.
Disease
A disease is a state and malfunction of a living being. A noxa is a factor that produces disease and can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Diagnosis is the procedure for determining health or disease. Medical personnel perform examinations to collect clinical signs (observable, measurable alterations) and symptoms (subjective patient perceptions). Basic explorations may be supplemented by instrumental techniques. Laboratory tests analyze bodily fluids. Diagnostic imaging techniques (TDI) create images of the body’s interior. Endoscopy involves inserting cameras into the body. A biopsy is the removal of tissue for analysis. Each disease has a clinical picture, a set of related signs and symptoms. Endogenous diseases originate within the patient.