Some Definitions of Disease
Illness or abnormal functioning of a body part or parts due to a specific cause, such as an infection, and identifiable by certain symptoms and signs.
BMA Medical Encylopedia
Any abnormality of bodily structure or function, other than those arising directly from physical injury.
Medical Dictionary
In medicine, the malfunctioning of the body as a consequence of infection by a germ or virus, or the departure from normal functioning of an organ. In this usage diseases present themselves unproblematically as facts within the context of a natural science methodology and are purely physiological occurrences. This definition is systematically challenged in the health studies literature, which emphasizes the interplay between politics, economics and social factors such as gender, and the construction of a condition as a disease. Sociologists distinguish between disease, the label applied to a condition by the medical profession; and illness, the subjective experience of bodily states of an individual.
Dictionary of Health and Society
The failure of an organism to adequately or appropriately counteract stresses or stimuli, which can be biological, behavioural, or environmental, resulting in sickness or disability.
Dictionary of Public Health Promotion
A condition that stops the body from functioning in the usual way.
(NOTE: The term disease is applied to all physical and mental reactions which make a person ill. Diseases with distinct characteristics have individual names.
Dictionary Of Medical Terms
Questions
What are germs, microbes, and pathogens?
What is virulence?
What is parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism?
Do parasites usually kill their victims?
Examples of acute and chronic diseases.
What is the defence between an acute and chronic disease?
Are infectious and contagious diseases the same thing?
What are childhood diseases? Give examples.
Can adults contract childhood diseases?
What are notifiable diseases? Give examples.
What are antibiotics and probiotics?
What is immunity?
What are the differences between natural (innate) and acquired immunity?
What are the pluses and minuses of being vaccinated against flu?
What is the best time of the year to get a flu vaccination?
Disease Its Symptoms and Treatments
1
affect
severity
likelihood
recurrence
expected
outcome
medical history
current
make a diagnosis
serious, (major)
minor
suffer from
a chronic problem
an acute attack
a tumor
benign
malignant, (cancerous)
localized
a runny nose
germ, (pathogen)
communicative, (contagious)
non-contagious
the treatment of choice
the course of the illness
curable vs treatable
fatal
terminally ill
2
tentative
obvious and disturbing symptoms
to consult a physician, to consult an eye specialist, If your skin becomes red and sore, consult your doctor . Consult the table on page 85.
promptly
severe bleeding, (hemorrhaging)
pain - bearable, persistent
indicate
ailment
an ulcer
dysentery
to be associated with
3
ill health
common symptom
a cough - dry, productive
phlegm (thick mucus)
sputum (a substance containing a variety of material expelled from the respiratory tract)
fainting
dizziness
fatigue
a low red blood cell count
a condition known as anemia
nausea
vomiting
intestinal disorders
food poisoning
dysentery
inner-ear disorders
the balance mechanism
sweating
itching
rashes
skin irritations
4
fit together
a syndrome
a childhood illness
abdominal pain
severe weakness
liver dysfunction
5
to treat an illness successfully
a recurrence
to identify
to ascertain
microorganisms - tiny living bodies that are invisible to the naked eye
tiny organisms, (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa)
infectious diseases
communicable, (contagious)
noninfectious
chronic degenerative diseases
congenital defects
hormonal disorders
environmental and occupational diseases
mental illness
disorders
idiopathic
6
to be exposed to
to depend on, to depend upon something
the body's ability to resist microorganisms
natural immunity
bodily defense mechanisms
the mucous membranes that line the mouth, and nose
harmless bacteria
to interfere with
harmful germs
highly acidic
disease-fighting chemicals
specialized white blood cells
7
acquired immunity
exposure to germs
specific antibodies
sensitized plasma cells
artificially
vaccines
to be vaccinated with a living but weakened germ
to immunize people
booster shots of the vaccine
8
pharmacist
a magic potion
swallow
to disappear forever
recommend
a process of trial and error
side effects and contraindications
9
potent drugs
an overdose
addictive
10
penicillin
a well-known drug
to be effective against a variety of bacterial infections
made from fungi
to inhibit the growth of disease-producing microorganisms
to fail
to be allergic to penicillin
11
narcotic drugs
in restricted dosages
to be derived from
in excessive amounts
they can cause coma or death
12
familiar drugs
to strengthen the failing heart
anticoagulants
diuretics
to remove excess fluid from the body
diabetes
14
although
the upper respiratory viral infection
to relieve the symptoms of flu
an effective painkiller
an anti-inflammatory drug
to be contraindicated for flu
it is suspected of being a contributory cause of pneumonia
commonly known
a decongestant
nasal cavity
to soothe a sore throat
15
over-the-counter medications
laxatives
to relieve constipation
tranquilizers
sedatives
to handle minor medical problems
to waste money on
16
medication
surgery
radiation therapy follow dietary recommendations
chemotherapy
special equipment
follow dietary recommendations
workload
17
sophisticated
to develop a disease
highly industrialized societies
pollution
rapidly changing societies
unreasonably high expectations
curative powers