Noninfectious Diseases

Are usually not transmitted by a pathogen or by any form of personal contact Possible lifestyle choices or poor hygiene habits can cause these types of diseases

Chronic Lung Disease Dyspnea –chronic breathlessness –May cause the inability to climb stairs, walk unassisted, or sleep without fear of stopping breathing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) –Several lung diseases including asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis

Allergic Reactions A hypersensitive reaction to a specific antigen or allergen in the environment where the body produces excessive antibodies to that antigen or allergen Allergies usually become worse with time and increased exposure to allergens

Hay Fever A chronic respiratory disorder that is most prevalent when ragweed and flowers bloom Attacks are characterized by sneezing and itchy, watery eyes and nose Usually runs in families Injections and antihistamines may provide relief

Asthma A disease characterized by attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing spasms Triggers include: air pollutants (dust, smoke), allergens (dust mites, pet dander), stress (exercise) Avoiding triggers, reducing allergen exposure, and effective medications will help to reduce attacks

Emphysema A gradual destruction of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs in which the alveoli become distended or ruptured and are no longer functional There is a strong relationship between smoking, exposure to air pollution and emphysema Inadequate oxygen supply and an over stressed heart leads to an early death

Bronchitis An inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes When the bronchi become inflamed or infected, less air is able to flow from the lungs and heavy mucus forms Smoking usually causes chronic bronchitis, air pollution and industrial dusts and fumes are also risk factors

Headaches Symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and/or throbbing pain Tension Headache –Muscular contraction headaches caused by muscular contractions or tension in the neck or head

Headaches Migraine –A localized headaches that possibly results from alternating dilation and constriction of blood vessels –Many have pain behind or around one eye and usually on the same side of the head Secondary Headaches –Caused by another condition such as hypertension, blocked sinuses, allergies, low blood sugar, cold, dentures, eyesight and other types of pain or injury

Seizures Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical brain activity It can be accompanied by altered consciousness or convulsions

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) A series of physical and emotional symptoms that may occur in women prior to their menstrual periods These symptoms may include depression, tension, irritability, headaches, tender breasts, bloated abdomen, backache, abdominal cramps, acne, fluid retention, diarrhea, and fatigue Therapies include hormonal therapy, pain medications, decrease caffeine and salt intake, increase carbohydrates, stress reduction, and exercise

Endometriosis An abnormal development of endometrial tissue outside the uterus Symptoms include cramping during and between menstrual cycles, irregular periods, unusually heavy or light menstrual flow, abdominal bloating, fatigue, painful bowel movements with periods, painful intercourse, constipation, diarrhea, menstrual pain, infertility, and low back pain

Diabetes A disease where the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body fails to use the insulin effectively Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas; required by the body for the metabolism of carbohydrates Symptoms include elevated blood sugar levels, high glucose levels in the urine, excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, tire easily, slow healing wounds, tingling in the extremities, changes in vision, skin eruptions, and vaginal yeast infections

Controlling Diabetes Insulin-related drugs can be taken orally or through injections Blood sugar levels are monitored several times a day Eating a diet rich in carbohydrates, low in sodium and high in fiber Loosing weight and getting regular exercise

Lactose Intolerance The inability to produce lactase, an enzyme needed to convert milk sugar into glucose Symptoms include stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and related symptoms Treatment includes low-lactose or lactose-free foods

Colitis and IBS Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the mucous membranes of the large intestine, producing bloody diarrhea Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by nausea, pain, gas, or diarrhea caused by certain foods or stress

Peptic Ulcers A lesion or wound to the stomach or intestinal lining, caused by digestive juices and/or the bacterium Helicobacter pylori This irritation causes pain that disappears when the person eats but returns about an hour later Treatment includes antibiotics, avoiding high-fat foods, alcohol, and aspirin

Arthritis A painful inflammatory disease of the joints Symptoms include stiffness, pain, and swelling of multiple joints Osteoarthritis is a progressive deterioration of bones and joints Treatment includes pain relief and drugs to reduce swelling

Fibromyalgia A chronic, painful disorder that is difficult to diagnose Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, numbness and tingling, itching, fluid retention, chronic joint pain, abdominal or pelvic pain, occasional diarrhea Treatment includes rest, stress relief, relaxation, dietary supplements, and pain medications

Lupus A disease where the immune system attacks the body, making antibodies that destroy or injure organs such as the kidneys, brain, and heart Symptoms include a butterfly rash covering the bridge of the nose and both cheeks, aching joints and muscles, redness and swelling in joints

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) A condition where a person feels tired before they begin activities, and lack the energy to accomplish tasks that require effort and attention, or become abnormally exhausted after normal activates Other symptoms include headaches, fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, depression, poor memory, weakness, and nausea Treatment includes improving nutrition, rest, counseling, exercise and support networks

Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) An injury to nerves, soft tissue, or joints due to the physical stress of repeated motions Carpel Tunnel Syndrome –The median nerve in the wrist becomes irritated, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers and hands