A disease refers an unhealthy condition of the mind or the body that interferes with the normal functioning of the organs, tissues and the entire body (Bates et al. 2015). Various diseases attack the mind and the body and hamper the overall well being of an individual. Although all these diseases affect the normal functioning of the entire boy, the severity of their effects depends on whether they are communicable or non-communicable.
Communicable diseases are infectious health condition that can be transferred from an infected patient to another person (Marrero & Adashi, 2015). These diseases tend to spread very fast. They range from serious diseases such as HIV/Aids virus to simple diseases such as flu or cold. The most common communicable diseases such as influenza, smallpox, measles, and cough are easily transmitted in their onset days. They passed from one person to the other even on the slightest contact. The most active way of preventing communicable diseases is through the spread of education and awareness information (Bates et al. 2015).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
A non-communicable (NCD) disease refers to a health condition that is not transferred from one person to another (McKenzie, 2016). These diseases are characterized by prolonged and slow progression likely to cause the death of the patient. The most common NCDs include diabetes, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases like stroke. Most NCDs are characterized by similar risk factors among them unhealthy diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and tobacco use (Marrero & Adashi, 2015).
Though both communicable and non-communicable diseases are health conditions that affect the normal functioning of the mind or the body, the two are sharply different. The most striking difference is that communicable diseases are those that are highly infectious and spread from person to person, either directly or indirectly (Bates et al. 2015). On the contrary, NCDs are those that are non-contagious or cannot be spread from an affected person to a healthy person. These diseases are normally caused by malnutrition, long illness, allergies or genetic factors (Bates et al. 2015).
For this assignment, I have chosen to discuss the etiology of COPD further. In this health condition, the patient experiences slow but progressive obstruction of the airflow in and out of the lungs. It is primarily caused by exposure to tobacco smoke and cigarette smoking. Other causes include genetic conditions, infectious diseases, and air pollution. Air pollution, second-hand smoking, and tobacco smoking aggravate the risk factors.
Often, the symptoms of COPD may not appear until the lung is significantly damaged. However, over time, the symptoms worsen, especially if the individual continues to be exposed to things that increase the risk factors such as second-hand smoking and tobacco smoking. The main symptom for COPD is persistent sputum production and daily cough (McKenzie, 2016).
Unlike other non-communicable diseases, the cause of COPD and the prevention path are both clear. Most of the causes are directly linked to second-hand smoking and tobacco smoking. This means the most recommended way of preventing this disease is never to smoke or stop smoking immediately (McKenzie, 2016). However, longtime smokers may particularly find it challenging to quit smoking immediately. However, such people are advised to keep trying to stop. Interventions such as tobacco cessation programs have proven to be extremely valuable for those seeking to quit for good (Marrero & Adashi, 2015). This helps prevent damaging the lungs. Occupation subjection to dust and chemical fumes is another risk factor for this disease. A person who works in such an environment should ensure he/she protects himself by using respiratory protective gear.
Conclusively, people can save their health and perhaps their lives by carefully observing whether they are in their normal state or if they exhibit any signs of communicable or non-communicable diseases. This way, people cannot only preserve their health but also save time and money spent on treating these diseases.
References
McKenzie, J. F. (2016). An introduction to community & public health . Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Marrero, S., & Adashi, E. Y. (January 01, 2015). Noncommunicable diseases. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 33, 1, 35-40.
Bates, M., Marais, B. J., & Zumla, A. (November 02, 2015). Tuberculosis Comorbidity with Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, 5, 11.)
