Understanding Diseases: Tumors, Infections, and Health Issues
Understanding Tumors and Their Impact
Tumor: A disorganized mass of bone tissue. Tumors can be benign (localized) or malignant (cancerous), with the latter capable of invasiveness, spreading to other tissues.
Metastasis: The occurrence of new tumors in different parts of the body, often through the bloodstream.
Pharmacology and Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions: Undesired secondary reactions to medications.
Dose: The amount of medication needed to achieve the desired effect without causing significant side effects.
Pharmacological Interaction: When two or more medications interact, potentially altering their therapeutic effects.
Vectors, Toxins, and Antibodies
Vectors: Organisms that transmit diseases from one individual to another.
Toxin: A substance, often produced by bacteria, that causes harm to the body.
Antibody: A substance that targets and neutralizes specific viruses or antigens.
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance Abuse Disorders: When substance use interferes with daily life.
Addiction: A state where an individual’s life revolves around substance use, often accompanied by abstinence symptoms when the substance is not consumed.
Drugs: Substances that can produce changes in the brain, potentially leading to disorders and unwanted effects.
Categories of Diseases
Infectious and Parasitic Diseases: Examples include cholera, tuberculosis, influenza, herpes, AIDS, and thrush.
Tumors: Both benign and cancerous growths.
Blood and Immunological Disorders: Such as anemias, coagulopathies, and autoimmune diseases.
Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Disorders: Including diabetes, obesity, and thyroid disease.
Mental Disorders: Like depression, schizophrenia, mental retardation, and dementia.
Nervous System Disorders: Such as meningitis, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Sensory Organ Disorders: Including blindness, conjunctivitis, and otitis.
Respiratory Disorders: Such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Including cavities, ulcers, cirrhosis, and appendicitis.
Skin Disorders: Such as dermatitis, urticaria, and alopecia.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Including arthropathy, scoliosis, and osteoporosis.
Genitourinary Disorders: Such as endometriosis and kidney stones.
Congenital and Genetic Disorders: Including cleft lip and Down’s Syndrome.
External Factors and Injuries: Such as trauma, frostbite, poisoning, burns, and bites.
Infectious Disease Progression
The typical progression of an infectious disease includes:
- Infection
- Incubation Period
- Acute Period
- Period of Decline
- Convalescence
Antigens and Antibodies
Antigen: A foreign protein that triggers an immune response.
Antibodies: Proteins produced by B lymphocytes that bind to antigens.
T Lymphocytes: Recognize and destroy cells with antigens, regulating the immune system.
Diagnosis and Techniques
Diagnosis: The process of identifying a disease, involving:
- Clinical Interview
- Physical Examination
- Complementary Tests
Diagnostic Imaging Techniques: Include X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine.
Third World Health Problems
Significant health challenges in the developing world include:
- Malnutrition
- Lack of clean drinking water
- Tropical diseases
- Wars and natural disasters
- Lack of healthcare personnel
Blood Tests and Health Markers
VCM: Used to compare types of anemia.
High White Blood Cell Count (Leukocytosis): Indicates an infection.
Platelets: Responsible for covering wounds.
Creatinine: Accumulates when kidneys are not functioning properly.
Cholesterol: High levels are associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Iron: Low levels can lead to anemia.