⚡ Quick Revision: Diseases and Their Classification
A disease is a departure from a state of health, a condition where the normal functioning of the body is disturbed.
- ✔ Communicable (Infectious): Spread from person to person (e.g., Malaria, COVID-19).
- ✔ Non-Communicable (Deficiency/Degenerative): Not spreadable (e.g., Scurvy, Diabetes).
Pathogen: A disease-causing microorganism such as bacteria, virus, fungi, or protozoa.
| Disease Category | Cause | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial | Bacteria | Tuberculosis, Cholera |
| Viral | Virus | Polio, Measles, AIDS |
| Protozoan | Protozoa | Malaria, Amoebic Dysentery |
Vector vs Pathogen. A pathogen causes the disease (e.g., Plasmodium), while a vector carries it (e.g., Female Anopheles mosquito).
⚡ Quick Revision: Communicable Diseases & Vectors
These are spread through air, water, food, or physical contact. Key exam favorites include:
- ✔ Tuberculosis (TB): Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; spreads through droplets in the air.
- ✔ Cholera: Caused by Vibrio cholerae; spreads through contaminated food and water.
- ✔ Malaria: Caused by the protozoan Plasmodium; transmitted by the Female Anopheles mosquito.
| Vector | Disease Carried | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Anopheles Mosquito | Malaria | Use mosquito nets; remove stagnant water. |
| Aedes Mosquito | Dengue / Chikungunya | Wear long sleeves; use repellents. |
| Housefly | Typhoid / Cholera | Keep food covered; maintain sanitation. |
Vaccination: The process of introducing a weakened or killed pathogen into the body to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies.
Antibiotics with Vaccines. Antibiotics treat existing bacterial infections; Vaccines prevent diseases by building immunity beforehand.
⚡ Quick Revision: Non-Communicable Diseases
These are caused by a lack of specific nutrients (vitamins or minerals) in the diet over a long period.
| Nutrient | Disease | Main Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Night Blindness | Poor vision in dim light. |
| Vitamin C | Scurvy | Bleeding gums; swelling of joints. |
| Vitamin D | Rickets | Soft, weak, or "bowed" bones. |
| Iron | Anaemia | Fatigue; pale skin. |
| Iodine | Goitre | Swelling in the neck region. |
- ✔ Metabolic Diseases: Caused by faulty functioning of organs (e.g., Diabetes).
- ✔ Allergies: Hyper-reaction of the immune system to common substances (e.g., Asthma).
Kwashiorkor with Marasmus. Kwashiorkor is specifically a protein deficiency (swollen belly), while Marasmus is a deficiency of total calories (proteins, fats, and carbs), leading to extreme thinness.
⚡ Quick Revision: First Aid Basics
First Aid: The immediate help or medical assistance given to an injured or sick person before professional medical help arrives.
- 1 Burns: Wash with cold running water immediately. Apply an antiseptic cream. Do not prick blisters.
- 2 Bleeding: Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth. Elevate the wounded part if possible to reduce blood flow.
- 3 Fractures: Do not move the injured part. Use a splint (stiff support) or sling to keep the bone immobilized.
- 4 Snake Bite: Keep the patient still. Tie a tight bandage (tourniquet) above the bite to slow the spread of venom. Seek anti-venom immediately.
Airway | Breathing | Circulation
Splint with Sling. A splint is a rigid object used to keep a limb from moving; a sling is a bandage or cloth hung from the neck to support an injured arm.
⚡ Quick Revision: Summary & Health Hygiene
- ✔ Categories: Communicable (Pathogen-led) vs. Non-communicable (Deficiency/Lifestyle).
- ✔ Prevention: Vaccination, proper sanitation, and vector control (mosquito/fly management).
- ✔ First Aid: Immediate action using ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) to stabilize the patient.
Scientific Names: Memorize the specific pathogens for TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and Cholera (Vibrio cholerae) as they are frequently asked in "Give one word" questions.