Biological and environmental factors Flashcards
What is foetal alcohol syndrome
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy causes developmental and physical defects which have life-long effects like heart defects, learning disabilities, communication and speech difficulties.
Physical effects include a small head, smooth area between nose and upper lip, thin upper lip, short nose and small eye openings
What is cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Maternal infections that is spread via bodily fluids. If a pregnant woman has an active infection, they can pass it onto the foetus and is referred to as congenital. Symptoms include hearing loss, vision loss, seizures, deafness and learning difficulties
What is congenital defects
The most common cause of childhood chronic illness. Common disorders are heart defects, neural tube defects and downs syndrome. Other factors can be socio-economic factors, environmental factor and infectious diseases
Define exposure to pollution
Causes respiratory problems such as asthma and COPD from vehicle exhausts household pollutants. Damages immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Are carcinogens which means they are capable of causing cancer
Define respiratory problems
Tobacco smoke, air pollution affects the nerves and muscles used for breathing and affects the lining of the air passages. Range from mild like a runny nose or a sore throat to severe conditions like bacterial pneumonia, COPD and lung cancer
Define cardiovascular problems
Risk factors associated with CVD include tobacco and air pollution which changes lining of the heart and blood vessels causing blood clots which can lead to heart attack. Risk of thrombosis and raised blood pressure. Pregnancy, baby may have congenital heart defects and CVD in later life
How does location affect health issues
Busy main roads may be exposed to pollution , weakening immune system leading to lung infections and lowered physical mobility. Children cant socialise, reducing exercise opportunities. Lack of sleep sue to sound and light from the road leading to stress and underachievement at education
Define hyperthermia
A dangerous drop in body temperature. Families with low income are unable to afford to heat their homes. Poor heating and lack of insulation linked to a rise in winter deaths.
What are cardiovascular problems
Children in overcrowded housing increases risk of heart diseases and leads to stress which affects blood pressure. Increases risk of blood clots and strokes. Lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, drinking leads to heart problems
What can poor quality housing cause
Causes stress, anxiety depression and mental health issues. Rising fuel bills leads to a disturbed sleep pattern leading to stress and anxiety. Higher chance to get ill.
