Symptoms of Various Diseases: Types of Diseases, Causes

A disease is an abnormal or harmful condition that deviates from the normal functioning of the body of an organism. Various diseases exist in the world and these diseases can be differentiated based on different symptoms. 

Also check: Why Do We Fall Ill

Key Terms: Diseases, Communicable Diseases, Symptoms Of Diseases, Viruses, Pathogens, Malaria, Chickenpox, Dengue, Tuberculosis

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Types of Diseases

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Diseases can be broadly categorized into two types, communicable and non-communicable diseases. Diseases that transmit from an infected person to a healthy person are known as communicable diseases. Communicable diseases are also known as Infectious Diseases. Diseases that do not transmit from an infected person to a healthy person are known as non-communicable diseases. 

Communicable Diseases

These diseases are usually caused by some biological pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi). A few examples of communicable diseases are the common cold, cough, fever, Covid-19, AIDS, tuberculosis, and many more. 

Non-communicable Diseases 

These diseases are usually caused by any infectious agent that is restricted only to the infected persons. They can be caused by an unrestrained growth of tissue, metabolic disorder, or any injury. A few examples of non-communicable diseases are cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and many more.

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Causes of Diseases

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Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens. Pathogens are disease-causing organisms that can enter our bodies through various means. They can grow and harm the normal functioning of the body. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoans are pathogens. Some examples of pathogens and diseases they cause are given below. 

Types and Causes of Diseases

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Diseases and Symptoms

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Here are 10 communicable and non-communicable diseases and their symptoms. 

Malaria and Symptoms 

Malaria is a vector-borne disease caused by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The symptoms of malaria are severe chilling, high fever, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, appetite loss, abdominal and muscle pain, and shivering.

Typhoid and Symptoms 

Typhoid is spread through the consumption of contaminated food and water. The symptoms of typhoid are ulcers, chills in the body, sweating, weakness, rashes on the skin, dehydration, constipation, headache, abdominal and muscle pain, and high fever.

Dengue and Symptoms 

Dengue is caused by the bite of the female Aedes mosquito. The symptoms of dengue are high fever, exhaustion, vomiting, headache, low blood pressure, blood plasma leakage, and severe muscle pain.

Common Cold and Symptoms 

Common cold infects the nose and respiratory passage, but not the lungs which usually lasts for 3 to 5 days. The symptoms of the common cold are nasal congestion and continuous discharge, sore throat, hoarseness, cough, headache, and tiredness.

Pneumonia and Symptoms 

In pneumonia alveoli in the lungs are affected, which get filled with fluid leading to severe respiratory problems. The symptoms of pneumonia are high fever, chills, cough, and headache. In some extreme cases, the lips and the fingers turn bluish in color. 

Tuberculosis and Symptoms 

Tuberculosis, which is commonly referred to as TB is a contagious disease. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The symptoms of TB are fever, chest pain in the chest, coughing up mucus with blood, and persistent cough for more than four weeks.

Lung Cancer and Symptoms 

There are many types of cancers and lung cancer is one of them. In lung cancer, the lungs are affected due to the unrestrained growth of cells. The symptoms of lung cancer are exhaustion, loss of appetite, change in voice, constant coughing, blood in sputum, shortness of breath, and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections.

Chickenpox and Symptoms 

The scientific name of chickenpox is varicella, which is a contagious disease. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and it happens to every human in his or her lifetime. The symptoms of chickenpox are fever, scabs, nausea, headache, itchy skin, dehydration, muscle pain, fluid-filled blisters, and loss of appetite.

Migraine and Symptoms 

Migraine is a neurological disorder commonly characterized by a severe headache. The symptoms of migraine are severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neck pain, mood swings, depression, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to light, smell, and light, difficulties in speaking, and pain on one side of the head.

Asthma and Symptoms 

In asthma, the airways are inflamed producing excessive mucus. It is a chronic condition and reduces the volume of oxygen carried to the lungs. The symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and the need for inhalers. 

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Things to Remember

• Communicable diseases are usually caused by biological pathogens.
• Pathogens are disease-causing organisms.
• Salmonella typhi causes typhoid.
• In pneumonia, the lips and the fingers turn bluish in color. 
• Diseases can be broadly grouped into two types, communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• The scientific name of chickenpox is varicella.