According to recent studies, chronic diseases affect 40% of Americans, with 81 million people suffering from multiple conditions.
Diseases can be incredibly scary, and it’s hard to know where to start in terms of learning about them.
There are all sorts of diseases out there, and it’s hard to keep track of which ones you should be most worried about.
Want to learn more about the different types of diseases? Here are the 5 most common typed of diseases that you need to know about now!
1. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmunity occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against viruses, bacteria, fungi/yeast, parasites, etc.
When it fails to recognize its cells as “self”, parts of the body begin to attack themselves.
This causes inflammation and pain in various parts of the body. Many autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions that can last a lifetime if not treated properly.
One common autoimmune disease is Hashimoto’s. You can learn more about the science of hashimotos disease here.
2. Infectious Diseases
An infectious and contagious disease is caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These organisms attack the body and cause it to become sick.
They can also be transmitted from person to person through various means such as sneezing, coughing, touching an object infected with germs (fomites), and more.
The easiest way to protect your family against infectious diseases is proper handwashing techniques, hygiene practices, and vaccinations when necessary.
3. Systemic Conditions
Systemic conditions impact the body (organs) in such a way that it limits how they work or damages them over time. Some examples of this noncontagious disease include immune disorders like:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus erythematous
- Psoriasis
- Systemic sclerosis
Also, inflammatory bowel diseases like:
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Cancer
- Tumor growth
It’s important to consider your options carefully before taking a particular treatment for systemic conditions. It’s essential to talk over your options with your doctor.
4. Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are a major concern for people around the world. These types of disorders cause problems with brain cells and the nervous system.
The nervous system is responsible for sending messages throughout the body, so if it’s not working properly, it can have a huge impact on your daily life.
Some examples of neurodegenerative conditions include:
- Alzheimer’s dementia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
Many of these conditions will require different treatments, so it’s essential to do your research.
5. Psychological Diseases
Psychological diseases are also known as mental or behavioral conditions. These diseases can impact your behavior, thinking, and emotions.
There are many types of psychological diseases that you should know about. Some examples include:
- Schizophrenia
- bipolar disorder
- anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- depression
If you’re struggling with a particular psychological condition, it’s critical to get help right away.
Interested In Learning About Different Types of Diseases?
We hope you’ve found this article helpful and informative. Many types of diseases can affect people in various ways, so it’s best to get a good understanding of what the common ones are.
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