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NEET UG 2026 » NEET UG Study Material » Biology » Diseases
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Diseases

The term "disease" refers to an unstable state which unfavourably affects the functioning of an organism as a whole or in portion, but it is not caused by an external injury immediately.

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An organism’s harmful deviation from its ordinary anatomical or functional state is referred to as a disease. Disease is usually accompanied by specific signs and symptoms that are distinct from physical injury in their nature. A diseased organism frequently manifests signs or symptoms that indicate that it is in an abnormal state. As a result, understanding the normal state of an organism is necessary in order to recognise the signs and symptoms of disease. Despite this, there is not always a clear line among disease and health to distinguish between. Pathology is the study of disease in its various forms. Identifying the underlying cause (aetiology) of the disease, understanding the mechanisms of its progression (pathogenesis), the structural changes associated with disease progression (morphological changes) and the subsequent impacts of those changes are all important aspects of this field. It is necessary to correctly identify the cause of the illness in order to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Diseases

Simple definitions of disease include any disorder of the structural system or function of the body that does not arise as a direct consequence of a physical injury, such as heart disease. At the molecular and cellular level, disease manifests itself as a direct result of a biological system’s ability to perform its functions.Disease is something we listen about on a daily basis, whether through personal encounters or news organizations. Humans hear the term “disease” thrown around a lot these days, whether it’s in reference to cancer, the Ebola virus, or vaccination concerns.Illnesses are caused by a wide variety of microorganisms and can be divided into categories such as disease – causing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and so on. Worms, for example, are responsible for the transmission of some diseases.

Types And Examples of Disease

Chickenpox, Cold and flu season is upon us, Diphtheria, E. coli is a type of bacteria,Giardiasis, HIV/AIDS, Mononucleosis caused by an infectious agent.Influenza (flu) is a virus that affects many people. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by microorganisms (bacteria and viruses). The term refers to microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and the like. They can be contracted via other individuals, the environment, animal contact, or insect bites, among other sources of infection.

Types: 

 Essentially, there are 4 kinds of illness: infectious diseases, deficiency diseases, hereditary diseases (including both genetic diseases and non-genetic hereditary diseases), and physiological diseases. Infectious diseases are the most common type of disease, followed by deficiency diseases and hereditary diseases.

1.Infectious Diseases

Communicable diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from one person towards another. There are many different pathogens which can cause viral infections, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, both of which can cause disease and illness. In humans, pathogen transmission can occur in a variety of ways, including direct contact between people, waterborne illness, airborne contaminants of diseased particles in the environment, and transmission through insects (mosquitoes and ticks) and tick bites.It is common for them to be brought on by pathogenic microorganisms (fungi, rickettsia, bacteria, viruses, protozoans, worms). The release of bodily excretions by an infectious agent has the potential to allow pathogens to leave the victim and enter a different person (sneezing, coughing etc). Cholera, chickenpox, malaria, and other diseases are examples of such illnesses.

2.Deficiency Diseases

As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), a deficiency disease is one which is caused by the absence of vital nutrients or nutritional aspects like minerals and vitamins inside the body. It is critical for a person’s health that they consume a nutritionally balanced diet. Each and every nutritional inequity could result in either an excessive or insufficient intake of specific nutrients, depending on the situation. Deficiency diseases can develop as a result of a deficiency in a specific nutrient. An essential dietary element, and particularly a vitamin or mineral, deficiency  by a lack of these essential dietary elements. It is the goal of a well-balanced diet to provide the body along with all the nutrients that it requires. It consists of macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fat, as well as micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, among others. As a result, deficiency diseases can sometimes be avoided by following a well-balanced diet.

3.Hereditary Diseases

It is possible to have a genetic disorder if one or even more genetic mutations are altered.

The condition is known as a hereditary genetic disorder if the genetic alteration is passed down to offspring.As a result, we must make it clear that not every genetic disorders seem to be hereditary, as they are not always passed down from parents to children.Genetic disorders are passed down through families when a mutated gene is discovered in a person’s germline cells when they are born. In other words, diseases are passed on to our children through the egg or the sperm cell. As a result, the biological mixture of the parent or guardian is critical when it comes to the spread of pathogens to our children.

4.Physiological Diseases

A physiological disorder is a medical symptom wherein the bodily tissues of the body malfunction, resulting in illness and death. Asthma, glaucoma, and diabetes are just a few examples. Common or appropriate processes in the body are disrupted when one or more organs of the body malfunction or stop working properly, or when the real cells of the body change over time, resulting in illness or disease. As a result, you will be able to identify the large bulk of diseases and ailments because those who drop underneath the physiological category.

Conclusion

A global response is required to address this same significant burden faced by chronic diseases with a likely infectious aetiology, which has received little attention. Microorganisms continue to be implicated as essential enteric pathogens of chronic diseases, with evidence indicating that they contribute significantly to incidence and death in humans.Public health is a critical function that necessitates widespread public awareness and education in order to fulfil society’s interest in ensuring that people can live healthy lives. According to historical precedent, collective attempts to prevent illnesses or diseases are both valuable and effective.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the NEET UG Examination Preparation.

What is Infectious disease?

Ans-Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are all examples of organisms that can cause infectious diseases. ...Read full

What are the five most prevalent diseases?

Ans-Heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease...Read full

What is the most common virus that affects people?

Ans-The flu is one of the most common viral infections that can occur anywhere on the planet. The influenza virus is...Read full

What is the most common cause of disease?

Ans-Bacteria are responsible for the transmission of infectious diseases. These one-celled organisms are the cause o...Read full

Ans-Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are all examples of organisms that can cause infectious diseases.

Ans-Heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease are the leading causes of death in adults

Ans-The flu is one of the most common viral infections that can occur anywhere on the planet. The influenza virus is responsible for its development.

Ans-Bacteria are responsible for the transmission of infectious diseases. These one-celled organisms are the cause of illnesses such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and tuberculosis, among other things.Viruses. Viruses, which are even smaller than bacteria, are responsible for a wide range of diseases, ranging from the common cold to AIDS.

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