Pathogenic, Deficiency, Hereditary and

Physiological DiseasesLesson 3

Unit: DiseasesMrs. Kalicharan

What is the scenario here?

There are different types

What is a disease? A disease is a condition in which the

health of an organism is impaired.

Health is defined as the complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.

A proper diet and adequate exercise are important to good health.

There are four types of diseases

Pathogenic diseases

Deficiency diseases

Hereditary diseases

Physiological diseases

Pathogenic Diseases This caused by parasitic organisms

(pathogens) like viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and worms.

Examples: malaria, tuberculosis, cholera and influenza

Influenza

Cause: Virus (pathogen) invades the body by

contact with infected person. It is airborne or droplet borne.

Symptoms: Headache, sore throat, muscular pains, fever

Influenza

Treatment: Rest and treatment for the

symptoms. Vaccine for specific strains of the

virus.

Control: Prevent over- crowding and exposure

to the virus. Prevent droplet infection through

coughs, sneezes, etc.

Deficiency Diseases This is causes by a shortage of a

nutrient (e.g. vitamin, mineral) in diet.

Examples: Kwashiorkor (protein), night- blindness (vitamin A), iron- deficiency anaemia (iron).

Iron- deficiency anaemiaCause: Deficiency of iron causes a reduction in

the number of red blood cells which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This is because iron is an integral part of the structure of haemoglobin in red blood cells.

Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath,

increased of heartbeat, pale appearance.

Iron- deficiency anaemia

Treatment: Eat iron rich foods e.g. red meat,

green leafy vegetables Take iron tablets.

Control: Education about a balanced diet,

food groups, etc.

Hereditary Diseases This is caused by genes passed on

from one generation to the next.

Examples: haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell anaemia

Cause: Gene for the disease is passed to the

offspring. The gene causes the red blood cells to

be sickle shaped which reduces oxygen- carrying ability.

Symptoms: Weakness, tiredness, weight loss, may

lead to kidney failure, heart failure.

Sickle cell anaemia

Treatment: Avoid situations where oxygen supply

is reduced. No treatment or cure available.

Control: Genetic counselling

Physiological Diseases This is caused by a malfunction of the

body’s organ.

Examples: asthma, hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma and stroke

DiabetesCause: Inability of the islet of Langerhans to

produce insulin. Body cells are unable to absorb glucose

which stays in the blood.

Symptoms: Tiredness, continual thirst, weight loss, increased urination, coma.

Diabetes

Treatment: Insulin injection/ tablet Low carbohydrate diet, exercise

Control: Education on the importance of diet

and exercise.