Module 4 Flashcards
process that affects the proper functioning of the body
disease
2 types of diseases
infectious + noninfectious
caused by pathogens–bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites
infectious diseases
single-cell, microscopic organisms that enter the body, adhere to host cells, and begin to multiply
examples include: pneumonia, food poisoning, infected cuts
bacteria
tiny bundles of genetic material surrounded by protein that enters a cell of the body and uses this cell to make more particles; do not have cellular structure and aren’t considered living organisms
include: colds, influenza COVID-19, hepatitis, and AIDS
viruses
can’t make their own food so they depend on a variety of food sources such as rotting logs, old cheese, and the human body
fungi (molds and yeasts)
single-celled or multi-celled organisms that feed off a host
example: tapeworm
parasites
It’s important to know which type of pathogen caused an infection because
knowing the cause allows a healthcare provider to choose an appropriate treatment.
caused by genetics, interaction of hereditary factors and environmental factors, and by environmental factors alone
noninfectious diseases
caused by a defective gene inherited from one or both parents
genetic noninfectious diseases
sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, down syndrome
examples of genetic noninfectious diseases
having a predisposition to a disease that makes an individual more likely than the average person (but not guaranteed) to develop a disease
genetic + environmental noninfectious diseases
caused strictly by exposure to something in the environment
environmental noninfectious diseases
mesothelioma (form of lung cancer) and carpal tunnel
examples of environmental noninfectious diseases
spread from person to person by direct or indirect contact
communicable diseases
sneezing, coughing, kissing, shaking hands, sexual contact
direct contact
mosquitos, touching hard surfaces
indirect contact
acne, food poisoning, lyme disease, cancer
noncommunicable diseases
How to reduce risk of infection
- Keep it clean - wash properly
- Keep it cold/hot - refrigerate and keep foods properly
- Keep it covered - cover your mouth when sneezing, wear protection
- Keep it calm - get adequate sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, get regular exercises, avoid tobacco and caffeine
- Keep it up to date - stay up to date with vaccinations
start suddenly and usually resolve quickly; rapid onset but usually clears in less than a month; typically very treatable
acute illnesses
examples of acute illnesses
food poisoning, colds/flu, sprains, broken bones, concussions, UTIs, appendicitis
How to treat acute illnesses:
- home care
- professional care
- emergency care
home care
OTC medications, first-aid kit
professional care
needed if the acute illness doesn’t go away/gets worse after home treatment; go immediately if you feel severe pain
emergency care
needed if a person loses consciousness, has no pulse/isn’t breathing, has been electrocuted, entered an accident, etc.
conditions that last one year or more; require ongoing medical attention; limit activities of daily living
chronic illness
