Disease Categories

Hereditary

Causes by errors in genetic information

Like abnormalities in chromosomes or due to environmental factors

Examples?

Congenital

Born with diseases, perhaps because of mother’s drug use, a prescription that caused birth defects

Like Accutane, an acne medication, taken off market; including brain, heart, and face deformities

Abnormalities may also develop in-utero, during formative stage (1st trimester)

Over exposure to x-rays

Degenerative

Resulting from breakdown of body parts

Conditions associated with aging, heart attacks, strokes, arthritis, vessel blockage

Neoplastic

New growths Due to chemical agents, like

radiation Too much sun or x-rays Viruses like HPV or cell changes,

cancer

Metabolic

Body’s production of necessary or essential chemical or proper functioning is non-existent or defective

Diabetes, thyroid problems, lactose intolerance, etc.

Nutritional

Not enough nutrients; minerals, vitamins or proteins

Rickets is a vitamin D deficiency; causing bone to soften and legs bow

Scurvy; lack of vitamin C

Immunologic

Result from improper function of body’s immune system

Overactive suppressor T cells contribute to immunologic diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis; body attacks itself

Infectious

Highly contagious caused by pathogens, disease causing organisms

Including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites

Psychogenic

Caused by emotional factors including stress that may be associated with: fear, anxiety, and crises

May cause gastrointestinal disorders, skin irritations, breathing difficulties

Examples?

Bacteria

Cocci: - round, or chains;

streptococcus Bacilli:- Diplobacillus &

Streptobacillus Spirals:- twisted, bent,

compressed forms and vibrio; like a comma

Epidemiology

Study of populations and diseases that affect them:

1. Epidemic: - involves a large segment of population for a

limited period of time2. Endemic: - involves a certain geographical area; affects few

individuals3. Pandemic: - affects several countries or the world4. Sporadic Diseases:- rare, irregular; like whooping cough