Pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi can cause infectious diseases, in which the diseases can be spread directly or indirectly from one person to another. Sepsis, influenza, tuberculosis, hepatitis are some of the common infectious diseases affecting the worldwide population.
Prevention of Infection
To minimize your risk of infection, you are advised to have good personal hygiene, eg: wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. Avoid sharing personal items like toothbrush, comb, razor, towel, drinking glasses and dining utensils. In addition, get vaccinated and practice safe sex can also reduce your chance of contracting many diseases.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of an infectious diseases depend on the organism causing the infection, but fever and fatigue are the most common signs and symptoms of infectious diseases. In addition, other general signs and symptoms include diarrhea, muscle aches and coughing.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Have prolonged (more than 5 days) or unexplained fever with or without headache
- Have prolonged (more than 7 days) coughing
- Have difficulty in breathing
- Have sudden vision problems
- Experience a rash or swelling
- Have been bitten by an animal
Diverticulitis
Small pockets within the intestinal wall lining that tend to
form with age are known as Diverticula. If these become infected, this
progresses to what is known as diverticulitis and is commonly caused due to the
lack of dietary fiber in one's diet.
Symptoms
may include:
-
Severe abdominal pains
-
Fever
-
Nausea
-
Fatigue
Haemorrhoids
More commonly known as piles, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in
the anal and lower rectal region, typically occurring due to straining one's
bowel movements.
Symptoms
may be associated with:
-
A small sensitive and/or painful lump or lumps protruding from the anus
- Pain, itching and/or discomfort around the anal region
- Painless bleeding during bowel movements
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
This particular disease is due to a reflux of acid on a frequent
basis, especially when stomach acid moves up and to the throat due to
abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter muscles.
Common
GERD symptoms include:
-
Heartburn after meals (burning sensation in chest or throat)
-
Sour taste in mouth
You
can alleviate GERD by:
-
Refraining from belts or tight clothing that constrict the stomach
-
Keeping a healthy weight in check
-
Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes
-
Keeping meal portions smaller
-
Avoiding foods that trigger GERD symptoms
-
Waiting awhile before lying down after a meal
-
Keeping your head and neck elevated while sleeping
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
The two main causes of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis where ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of one's large
intestine and rectum, causing chronic inflammation and ulcers or sores to
develop. Whereas, Crohn's disease tend to include multiple different areas
throughout the entire digestive tract, often occurring towards the end of the
small bowel (the ileum) or the beginning. This disease can also affect the
entire bowel wall where areas that are affected can be interspersed between the
healthy sections of the colon.
Symptoms
of IBD may be associated with:
-
Inflammation triggered by overactive immune systems
-
Viral or bacterial triggers
-
Environmental triggers
-
Genetic factors
Other
symptoms of IBD may include:
-
Fatigue
-
Weight loss
-
Abdominal pains
-
Diarrhoea
-
Intermittent rectal bleeding
Colorectal Cancer
More commonly known as colon or rectal cancer, this disease
tends to develop when cells in this particular region begin to rapidly grow out
of control.
A
majority of these cancers start as small polyps that can be precancerous.
Though most patients show no symptoms at this stage (asymptomatic), over time
these polyps can become cancerous. Depending on the size and how deep the
cancer has grown, the prognosis may vary and early stages tend to not show any
symptoms whatsoever.
Take
note of these colorectal cancer symptoms:
-
Gastrointestinal cramps or pains
-
Gassiness and bloating
-
Bowel habit change (constipation or diarrhea)
-
Bloody/tarry stools
-
Loss of weight
-
Loss of appetite
-
Feeling nauseous
-
Vomiting
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
This is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects one's
large intestine with a range of symptoms that include:
-
Loss of appetite
-
Gassiness and/or bloating
-
Diarrhoea and/or constipation during intermittent periods
-
Abdominal pain that is relieved with bowel movement
