Diseases and Disorders Flashcards
Anaemia
Anaemia is a reduction in the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, caused either by a decrease in red blood cells, or the haemoglobin they carry, or both.
It may be caused by extensive loss of blood, lack of iron in the diet, the failure of bone marrow to produce the normal level of cells or it may be inherited.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood, caused by over-production of white blood cells.
Septicaemia
Septicaemia is known as blood poisoning, this is a generalised disease associated with the circulation and multiplication of toxic bacteria in the blood
Varicose Veins
Deoxygenated blood in the lower body has to move uphill in order to return to the heart. Valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards but sometimes these valves, especially those in the superficial veins of the legs, no longer work effectively.
Consequently, the veins become dilated and blood collects in the veins instead of returning to the heart. The veins become distended and knobbly, showing through the skin.
Haemophilia
The blood’s inability to clot. This is an inherited disease which affects mainly men but which can be carried by women.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
A degenerative disease of the arteries, in which the walls of the vessels harden and lose elasticity. The loss of elasticity causes an increase in blood pressure. This condition mainly affects the elderly.
HAEMORRHOIDS
Also known as piles, these are enlarged veins in the rectum or anus which may collapse or contain blood clots.
PHLEBITIS
PHLEBITIS Inflammation of a vein. Thrombo-phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein where a blood clot has formed.
THROMBUS
A blood clot in the heart or in the blood vessels.
HIV/AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a complex disease that follows infection with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). The virus attacks T-lymphocytes, making the immune system incapable of fighting disease. It is transmitted through blood and other body fluids.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Also known as hypertension, this is blood pressure which consistently remains above the normal level.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
PRESSURE Also known as hypotension, this is blood pressure which consistently remains below the normal level
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
High cholesterol is an excessive build-up of a fatty substance called cholesterol, which can cause a reduction in arterial capacity (atherosclerosis – see previous page) and thus high blood pressure
HEPATITIS A B C
C Inflammations of the liver, caused by viruses, toxic substances or immunological abnormalities. Type A is spread by fecally contaminated food. Types B and C are transmitted by infected body fluids including blood. Contagious.
