List of diseases

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Diseases and disorders encompass a wide range of pathological conditions that affect the health and well-being of individuals. From infectious diseases caused by pathogens to chronic disorders with multifactorial etiologies, understanding the nature, causes, and management of these conditions is essential for healthcare professionals and researchers. Table of contents: .A | .B | .C | .D | .E | .F | .G | .H | .I | .J | .K | .L | .M | .N | .O | .P | .Q | .R | .S | .T | .U | .V | .W | .X | .Y | .Z

Infectious Diseases[edit | edit source]

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can be transmitted through direct contact, airborne droplets, contaminated food or water, and vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks. Examples of infectious diseases include:

  • COVID-19 (caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2)
  • Influenza (caused by influenza viruses)
  • Tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
  • Malaria (caused by Plasmodium parasites)
  • HIV/AIDS (caused by the human immunodeficiency virus)

Chronic Diseases[edit | edit source]

Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions characterized by persistent or recurring symptoms. These diseases often develop slowly over time and may be influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Common chronic diseases include:

Autoimmune Diseases[edit | edit source]

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. These diseases can affect multiple organs and systems and may have genetic and environmental triggers. Examples of autoimmune diseases include:

Mental Health Disorders[edit | edit source]

Mental health disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect mood, behavior, and cognitive function. These disorders can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and may require ongoing management and treatment. Examples of mental health disorders include:

  • Depression (a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure)
  • Anxiety disorders (conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness)
  • Schizophrenia (a severe mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking)
  • Bipolar disorder (a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression)

Genetic Disorders[edit | edit source]

Genetic disorders are caused by abnormalities or mutations in the DNA sequence of genes. These disorders can be inherited from one or both parents or may occur spontaneously. Genetic disorders may affect any organ or system in the body and can vary widely in severity. Examples of genetic disorders include:

  • Down syndrome (a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21)
  • Cystic fibrosis (a hereditary disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system)
  • Hemophilia (a group of genetic bleeding disorders characterized by impaired blood clotting)
  • Huntington's disease (a neurodegenerative disorder causing progressive movement and cognitive impairment)

Neurological Disorders[edit | edit source]

Neurological disorders affect the structure or function of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These disorders can result from injury, infection, degeneration, or genetic factors and may cause a wide range of symptoms. Examples of neurological disorders include:

  • Alzheimer's disease (a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline)
  • Parkinson's disease (a movement disorder characterized by tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance and coordination)
  • Epilepsy (a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures)
  • Multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system)

Diseases and disorders pose significant challenges to public health and healthcare systems worldwide. By advancing research, prevention, and treatment efforts, healthcare professionals and researchers strive to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

List of diseases[edit | edit source]

Also see[edit | edit source]

List of diseases Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD