Unit 3 - Infection and Response - Non-communicable Diseases Flashcards
What are risk factors linked to?
An increased rate of the disease
List some lifestyle-related risk factors.
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Lack of exercise
- Overeating
What happens when the control of the cell cycle is lost?
Cells grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled way, forming a tumour
What are benign tumours?
Growths of abnormal cells contained in one area
They do not invade other parts of the body.
How do malignant tumours differ from benign tumours?
Malignant tumours invade neighbouring tissues and spread forming secondary tumours
What are carcinogens?
Agents that can cause mutations and trigger tumour formation
What role does ionising radiation play in cancer?
It can interrupt the normal cell cycle
What percentage of human cancers are caused by viral infections?
About 15%
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is an example that causes cervical cancer.
What sensation does nicotine create?
Calm, well-being, and stress relief
Is nicotine addictive?
Yes, highly addictive
How harmful is nicotine on its own?
Relatively harmless
What effect does carbon monoxide have on the blood?
Reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen
Is carbon monoxide poisonous?
Yes
What percentage of the blood carries carbon monoxide after smoking?
10%
What does carbon monoxide lead to?
Oxygen shortage
What effect do carcinogens like tar have on the lungs?
Turns lungs from pink to grey
How do carcinogens affect susceptibility to bronchitis?
Makes smokers more likely to develop bronchitis
What chronic condition can result from tar buildup?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What structural change occurs in the alveoli due to COPD?
Breakdown in the structure of the alveoli
How does COPD affect the surface area to volume ratio?
Reduced surface area to volume ratio
This leads to severe shortness of breath and eventually death
What is the risk associated with smoking and lung cancer?
Increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory cancers
Why should smoking be avoided during pregnancy?
Oxygen shortage occurs when pregnant women smoke.
As the woman is also carrying oxygen for the fetus, reduced oxygen can lead to underdeveloped fetus
What are the potential consequences of insufficient oxygen delivery to a developing fetus due to smoking?
Premature births, low birth weight, stillbirth
How does smoking affect the cardiovascular system?
Chemicals in tobacco smoke affect the heart and blood vessels
It narrows the blood vessels in the skin, ageing it
What is the effect of nicotine on heart rate?
Nicotine increases heart rate
What risk is associated with smoking in relation to coronary heart disease?
Increased likelihood of coronary heart disease
What is a consequence of smoking on blood pressure?
Increased risk of high blood pressure
What are some serious health risks associated with smoking?
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke
How does diet affect health?
Diet affects health by influencing body weight and fat storage
What is the role of fat in the body?
Fat cushions internal organs and serves as an energy store
What are the consequences of a poor diet rich in animal fats?
High blood cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease (CHD)
What can a lack of exercise lead to?
A less fit heart, smaller lungs, and increases risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
How does exercise affect metabolic rate?
Exercise increases muscle tissue, which raises metabolic rate
What health risks does regular exercise reduce?
Arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood cholesterol levels
What is obesity a risk factor for?
Type 2 diabetes
What happens in type 2 diabetes?
The body does not make enough insulin or cells stop responding to it
What complications can arise from type 2 diabetes?
Circulation issues, kidney function problems, eye damage, and death
What is alcohol chemically known as?
Ethanol
How is alcohol absorbed into the body?
From the gut into the blood
What effect does alcohol have on thought processes and reflexes?
Slows them down
What are the effects of small doses of alcohol?
Relaxation and reduced inhibition
What can result from larger doses of alcohol?
Lack of self-control and poor judgement
What are the potential consequences of very high levels of alcohol consumption?
Unconsciousness, coma, and death
How does alcohol affect liver cells over time?
Destroys liver tissue and replaces active liver cells with scar tissue
This then leads to cirrhosis of the liver
What is a potential cancer risk associated with heavy drinking?
Increased risk of liver cancer and mouth/throat cancer
What type of damage can long-term alcohol use cause?
Brain damage
What risk does alcohol pose to pregnant women?
It passes across the placenta
What are some risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy?
Miscarriage, stillbirths, premature birth, and low birth weight
What syndrome is associated with alcohol exposure during pregnancy?
Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
What developmental problems may arise from foetal alcohol syndrome?
Learning and other developmental problems
What is the current advice regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy?
Not to drink alcohol
What happens to proteins in the body during liver damage?
Proteins are not broken down
* amino acids aren’t made into urea
* amino acids accumulate in the body
What is the consequence of no bile production in liver damage?
Fats are not emulsified
How does liver damage affect lipid digestion?
Surface area of lipids is not increased, making lipids not digested as easily
What happens to the pH of the small intestine in liver damage?
pH of small intestine is not neutralised
What potential weight-related consequence can result from liver damage?
May lose weight
What is the impact of liver damage on toxin breakdown?
Unable to break down toxins like alcohol
Cause pain + poisons the body
What are the symptoms associated with the inability to break down lactic acid?
Lactic acid builds up in the body, causing muscle pain and fatigue
This is a result of anaerobic metabolism.
