Diseases are part of our existence, but understanding them can empower us to prevent, manage and treat them effectively. Whether chronic or infectious, skin-related or respiratory, each disease impact the quality of life differently. In this blog we will go through 5 common diseases that are Asthma, Tuberculosis, GERD, Eczema and Dengue Fever. We will go through signs and symptoms, causes, treatments and preventive strategies of all these diseases so it becomes easy for you to understand.
1. Asthma:
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in which breathing becomes a challenge. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) approximately 262 million people were affected by asthma in 2019 and caused 455000 deaths globally.
Symptoms of the Disease:
Symptoms of asthma can vary both in frequency and severity. The common complaints with which patient present with are shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, wheezing especially when exhaling, persistent cough that often worsens at night or early in the morning and difficulty in breathing during exercise.
Causes:
Asthma is linked to a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Common triggers for Asthma include allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold etc., air pollution, cold air, physical exertion, respiratory infections and stress.
Treatment of Asthma:
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed effectively. Treatment includes inhalers that relieves patient’s symptoms. Bronchodilators are used for quick relief while corticosteroids are used as long term control inhalers. Medications like leukotriene modifiers and theophylline are also used. Life style modification like maintaining healthy weight, avoiding triggers and regular supervised exercise.
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) emphasizes on the importance of personalized asthma action plans and regular medical follow ups to ensure optimal control.
2. Tuberculosis (TB):
Tuberculosis is known as Ancient Lung Infection, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs and is capable of impacting other organs as well. TB remains one of the top 10 causes of deaths worldwide.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of TB usually develops gradually and include persistent cough lasting for more than three weeks, blood in cough, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, fever and chills.
Causes and Risk Factors:
TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Risk factor include weekend immune system (HIV and diabetic patients), malnutrition, close contact and living in crowded conditions.
Treatment:
In the past TB was considered as death sentence but now it can be treated with strict antibiotic regimen for several months. Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide are considered as first line medications for TB. Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) is a strategy where healthcare providers supervise medication intake to ensure adherence.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is also known as Acid reflex. It occurs when the acid content of stomach reaches the esophagus leading to its irritation. It is a chronic disease and have affected millions globally.
Symptoms of GERD:
Patients usually present with chief complaint of heart burn, acidic taste in the mouth, regurgitation of food, difficulty in swallowing, chronic cough, sore throat and hoarseness.
Causes:
GERD is caused due to the weakening of lower esophageal sphincter responsible for avoiding stomach content from coming back to esophagus. Some common factors that can lead to GERD include obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking and certain foods (spicy, fatty, chocolate, caffeine).
Treatment of GERD:
Lifestyle changes like weight loss, elevation of head during sleep, avoid triggering food. Antacids, H2-receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole. Some cases need surgical interventions to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, GERD if untreated can lead to complications like esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus, which may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
4. Eczema:
Also known as Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which is often linked with allergies.
Symptoms of Eczema:
Patient with Eczema usually presents with the chief complaint of dry, itchy and inflamed skin with red to brownish gray patches. The skin is thickened, cracked and scaly with oozing or crusting.
Causes:
Eczema can be transmitted by genetic predisposition. Environmental triggers like soaps, detergents and allergens can also cause eczema. Immune system dysfunction is also associated with the disease.
Treatment of Eczema:
Eczema is treated with moisturizers to maintain hydration of the skin. Topical corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and antihistamines to control the itchiness. Lifestyle modification to avoid triggers is very important. The National Eczema Association emphasizes that eczema can have a significant psychological impact especially in children.
5. Dengue:
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. It is a global health issue that is growing especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
Symptoms:
Patients with the disease usually come to the OPD with the chief complaint of sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the ears, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases the pain in joints is referred to as “break bone fever” with bleeding and very low platelets count.
Causes:
Dengue is caused by four distinct viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Risk factors include living in a dengue endemic area or traveling to one. Previous infections can also increase the chances of getting dengue.
Treatment:
Viruses are hard to treat, so there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue instead management focuses on supportive care like hydration, rest and fever management. Hospitalization is required in severe cases. To relieve pain and fever acetaminophen is preferred. Avoid using NSAIDs like ibuprofen due to risk of bleeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vector control (eliminating mosquito breeding sites) as the primary prevention strategy. WHO also recommends Dengvaxia vaccine in populations at high risk.
Conclusion:
Diseases can significantly disrupt our lives, but knowledge is a tool with which we can combat these diseases. By understanding the symptoms and causes we can easily treat diseases like Asthma, Tuberculosis, GERD, Eczema, and Dengue Fever. Whether you are managing a skin condition like eczema or dealing with daily challenges of asthma or preventing mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue early staying educated and vigilant is the key. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can dramatically improve the outcomes.
If you are someone who is experiencing any of the above mentioned diseases, it is highly suggested to consult a proper health professional. If you liked this blog and want to know more about human body and diseases go to my website Medrizz.com.
References:
• World Health Organization (WHO). Asthma. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
• American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). GERD Guidelines. https://gi.org/topics/gerd/
• National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
• National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
FAQs:
Can asthma be cured permanently?
No, asthma cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with inhalers, medications, and lifestyle changes. Many people live normal lives with proper asthma control.
How is tuberculosis transmitted?
Tuberculosis spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Close contact and weakened immunity increase your risk.
What foods should I avoid if I have GERD?
You should avoid spicy foods, fatty meals, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, and carbonated beverages. Eating smaller meals and avoiding late-night eating can also help.
Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not contagious. It is often linked to genetics, allergies, and immune system dysfunction. However, scratching can lead to infections, which may need medical attention.
What is the difference between heartburn and GERD?
Heartburn is a symptom, while GERD is a chronic disease involving frequent acid reflux that can damage the esophagus if untreated.
How can dengue fever be prevented?
Prevention involves avoiding mosquito bites, using repellents, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and, in some cases, vaccination (Dengvaxia) in high-risk areas.