Diseases & Symptoms

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, night sweats, weight loss, and fever.

TB can be latent (inactive) or active, with active TB requiring immediate treatment. It is treated with a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. Vaccination (BCG) and early detection help in prevention.”,

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes glucose. It occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Common causes include genetic factors, obesity, and insulin resistance.

Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, and unexplained weight loss.

Managing diabetes involves lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. In some cases, medication or insulin therapy is required to control blood sugar levels effectively.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It is often caused by factors such as poor diet, high salt intake, lack of physical activity, stress, and genetics.

Many people with hypertension may not experience noticeable symptoms, but common signs include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and blurred vision.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and managing stress. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help control blood pressure.

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints, leading to pain and reduced mobility. There are different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear of the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease.

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Treatment focuses on pain management, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be recommended.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which cause airflow blockage and lung inflammation. The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to harmful pollutants, especially cigarette smoke.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough with mucus production, wheezing, and frequent respiratory infections.

There is no cure for COPD, but treatments like bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation can help improve breathing and quality of life.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

Symptoms include high fever, chills, sweating, headaches, muscle pain, and severe complications such as organ failure and anemia. Malaria can be prevented through the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, antimalarial medications, and vector control measures.

Treatment involves antimalarial drugs, which vary based on the severity and type of infection.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. It can be triggered by allergens, pollution, respiratory infections, and even physical activity.

Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.

Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed through inhalers, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and avoiding triggers. Proper treatment helps individuals lead a normal life with fewer asthma attacks.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. If untreated, it progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most severe stage of HIV. HIV spreads through unprotected sex, sharing needles, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Symptoms include flu-like illness, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and recurrent infections.

While there is no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps manage the virus, allowing people to live longer and healthier lives. Prevention includes safe sex practices, PrEP medication, and regular testing.”,

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and a runny nose. While most people recover within a few days, severe cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia.

Treatment involves rest, staying hydrated, and taking antiviral medications in severe cases. Annual flu vaccinations are recommended to reduce the risk of infection.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids, often through unprotected sex, shared needles, or from mother to child during birth.

Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, nausea, and abdominal pain. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

While there is no cure, treatment includes antiviral medications and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. A highly effective vaccine is available for prevention.”,

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms range from mild to severe and include fever, dry cough, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure.

There is no specific cure, but treatment focuses on symptom management, oxygen therapy in severe cases, and antiviral medications. Vaccination remains the most effective method of prevention against COVID-19.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is primarily spread through contact with infected blood, often through sharing needles or receiving contaminated blood transfusions.

Many people with hepatitis C do not show symptoms for years, but when present, they include fatigue, jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, and joint pain. Chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccine, but highly effective antiviral treatments can cure most cases.