Disease Flashcards
Type 2 Diabetes
high blood sugar levels due to the bodies inability to use insulin properly.
Symptoms: Thirst, tiredness, blurred vision
Main risks: Heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, vision issues.
Causes: Family history, being older (45+), low physical activity, and poor diet (high sugar, low nutrients).
Prevention/Treatment:
Diet: Eat low-GI foods, high fiber, and healthy fats.
Exercise: Helps lower blood sugar.
Medications: Insulin or oral meds help lower blood sugar.
Anemia
Not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen.
It affects Women, kids, older adults, and people with health problems.
Causes:
Not enough iron or vitamins (like B12).
Blood loss or chronic disease.
Symptoms:
Tired, weak, pale skin.
Cold hands/feet, short of breath.
Dizziness, headaches.
Types:
Iron Deficiency: Not enough iron.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Not enough B12.
B12 symptoms: Tingling, trouble walking, memory problems.
Prevention/Treatment:
Take iron or B12 pills.
Eat iron-rich foods (like spinach) and vitamin B12 (meat).
Medicine or blood transfusions for severe cases.
Goiter (Thyroid Swelling)
A goiter is a swollen thyroid gland in the neck, often causing difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Causes:
Iodine deficiency
Thyroid hormone imbalance
Genetics
Socioeconomic factors
Smoking
Prevention:
Eat iodine-rich foods (iodized salt, fish, dairy), and access supplements where needed.
Treatment:
Iodine-rich diet or limit iodine if thyroid is overactive
Thyroid medication
Radioactive iodine therapy
Surgery for large goiters
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a condition where the small intestine can’t absorb nutrients due to gluten damage.
Causes: Genetic, triggered by gluten.
Effect: Gluten damages the villi in the small intestine that helps aborb nutrients
Prevention: Cannot be prevented (genetic).
Treatment: Gluten-free diet.
Healing: Intestines heal in 3-6 months (longer for older individuals).
Supplements: For anemia or nutrient deficiencies.
Kwashiorkor
Cause: Protein deficiency, common in children from poor areas.
Symptoms: Swollen belly, muscle wasting, tiredness, irritability, skin and hair issues.
Risk Factors: Poor diet, low income, food shortages, genetics.
Prevention & Treatment: Eat protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, beans), hospital care with IV fluids, antibiotics, and support.
Recovery: Gradual refeeding with small, protein-rich meals.
Crohn’s Disease
Cause: Inflammation in the digestive tract.
Symptoms: Belly pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, blood in stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite
Worsens with: Spicy/greasy foods, whole grains, high fiber fruits/veggies, caffeine, alcohol.
Avoid: Dairy, especially full-fat and lactose.
Risk Factors: Family history, NOD2 gene mutation, smoking.
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications, surgery if needed, nutrient-rich liquids during flare-ups.
Surgery: Small or large bowel resection (removes damaged parts).
Scurvy
Cause: Lack of Vitamin C for 1-3 months.
Symptoms: Swollen gums, joint/muscle pain, anemia, easy bruising.
Risk Factors: Low income, developing countries, poor diet, smoking, alcohol, drugs.
Treatment: Vitamin C supplements/injections (2 weeks recovery), food helps reduce symptoms.
Prevention & Management:
Foods high in Vitamin C: Oranges, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach.
Vitamin C helps produce collagen, repair tissues, and boost immunity.
Rickets
Cause: Lack of Vitamin D in diet or genetics.
Symptoms: Soft, weak bones, bent legs/wrists, big forehead, unusual spine.
Prevention & Treatment:
Foods: Fish (salmon, sardines), fortified foods (milk, juice, cereals).
Sunlight: Helps body make Vitamin D.
Supplements: Vitamin D pills.
Risk Factors: Low income, less sun exposure (especially in winter), dark skin.
Complications: Bent bones, heart issues, or death if untreated.
Diagnosis: X-rays, blood tests.
Osteoporosis
What is it?
Weak bones that break easily, common with age.
Signs:
Fractures, shorter height, slouching, back pain.
Foods to Eat:
Calcium and Vitamin D (dairy, leafy greens), fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein.
Foods to Avoid:
Excess salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, wheat bran.
Causes:
Genetics, health problems, medications.
Medications:
Bisphosphonates (oral or IV) to strengthen bones.
Side Effects:
Oral: Upset stomach.
IV: Fever, headaches.
Hypertension
What is it?
High blood pressure, where blood pushes too hard on artery walls, making the heart work harder.
Causes:
Genetics, poor diet, stress, lack of exercise.
Food Tips:
Prevent: Eat less salt (avoid processed foods), more potassium (bananas, greens).
Manage: More magnesium (nuts), calcium (dairy), stay hydrated.
Other Treatments:
Medications to relax blood vessels, exercise, and weight loss to lower blood pressure.
Pellagra
What is it?
A disease from not getting enough niacin (Vitamin B3).
Symptoms:
Mood changes, skin rashes, diarrhea, stomach pain, tiredness.
Causes:
Low niacin in the diet or absorption issues.
Treatment:
Niacin supplements, eat meat, milk, leafy greens, whole grains.
Prevention:
Eat niacin-rich foods or take a B-complex vitamin.
Foods with Niacin:
Beef liver, beets, potatoes, enriched cereals.
BeriBeri
Cause: Thiamine (B1) deficiency.
Symptoms:
Wet BeriBeri: Heart failure, shortness of breath, leg swelling.
Dry BeriBeri: Nerve damage, muscle weakness, confusion, speech problems.
Contributing Factors:
Diets with polished rice, alcoholism, health conditions (kidney, digestive issues, bariatric surgery).
Prevention & Treatment:
Eat thiamine-rich foods: legumes, whole grains, fortified cereals, liver, salmon.
Thiamine supplements (oral or IV) for severe deficiency.
Recovery:
Early treatment leads to full recovery in 3-6 months.
Marasmus
Cause: Severe malnutrition from lack of carbs, fats, and proteins.
Symptoms: Muscle and fat loss, stunted growth, dehydration, weakness, constant hunger.
Factors:
Low SES, limited food access
Infectious diseases like HIV reducing nutrition.
Treatment:
Stage 1: Rehydrate with solutions like ReSoMal.
Stage 2: Gradually reintroduce nutrients via tube feeding, then solid foods over 2-6 weeks.
Prevention:
Balanced diet with carbs, proteins, fats, and vitamins (A, zinc, iron).
Management:
Start with easy-to-digest foods, then move to calorie-dense foods.
