HEART DISEASE
The term heart disease refers to a variety of abnormalities that affect the structure and function of the heart, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Atherosclerosis is usually the cause, where plaque buildup in arteries narrows or blocks them. The usual symptoms are chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
These factors include unhealthy eating habits; indifference to sports activities; tobacco smoking; increased arterial pressure and congenital heredity. Early detection together with lifestyle changes are essential for managing and preventing heart disease.
CAUSES
Atherosclerosis: The buildup of fatty plaques on artery walls.
Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the arteries and heart.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking.
Genetics: Having a family history of heart-related problems.
Other Conditions: Include diabetes, high cholesterol levels in the blood.
COMPLICATIONS
Heart Attack: Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
Heart Failure: Inefficiency in pumping blood by the heart.
Stroke: Interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Aneurysm: Ballooning out from the arterial wall.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Sudden loss of heart functions.
SYMPTOMS
Chest Pain: Often described as pressure or tightness.
Shortness of Breath: This can occur with or without chest pain.
Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired all day.
Palpitations: Having irregular heartbeats.
Swelling: One can get swelling on legs, ankles and feet.
BRONCHITIS
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways that carry oxygen to your lungs. It can be acute (usually resulting from respiratory infections) or chronic (which is often caused by continuous irritation due to smoking).
Symptoms may include persistent coughing, mucus production, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis often resolves itself within weeks while chronic bronchitis requires ongoing management to prevent complications.
CAUSES
Viruses: Commonly associated with cold and flu viruses.
Bacteria: Caused by bacterial infections to lesser degrees.
Smoking: Is responsible for the majority of cases of chronic bronchitis.
Air pollution: Exposed to dust, fumes and smoke.
Chronic disease: Other lung conditions, such as asthma and allergies.
COMPLICATIONS
Pneumonia: Infection which inflames air sacs in either one or both lungs.
Chronic Bronchitis: A serious long-term condition that requires ongoing management.
Respiratory Failure: Extreme failure to breathe properly.
Asthma: Worsening of asthma symptoms by bronchitis.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Especially from smoking.
SYMPTOMS
Cough: Persistent cough often accompanied by mucus.
Wheezing: Whistling sound when breathing.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty in breathing.
Chest Discomfort: Tightness or pain in the chest.
Fatigue: Feeling tired all the day and feeling weak.
STOMACH DISEASE
Stomach diseases refer to conditions affecting digestion such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or GERD. Some of the leading causes include Helicobacter pylori infections, prolonged use of NSAIDs, poor diet choices, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Symptoms usually comprise abdominal pain alongside nausea as well as bloating and heartburn among others. These conditions require early diagnosis coupled with lifestyle modifications and medical treatment for effective management without developing into severe complications.
CAUSES
Infection: Helicobacter pylori bacteria causing ulcers and gastritis.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption.
Medications: Long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Stress: Can exacerbate the symptoms.
Autoimmune Disorders: The body’s immune system attacks its stomach lining.
SYMPTOMS
Abdominal Pain: Sharp or burning pain above the abdomen.
Nausea / Vomiting: Feeling sick and vomiting.
Bloating: Swelling in stomach area.
Heartburn: Burning feeling in chest or throat.
Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to feed.
Loss of Weight:Loss of weight due to reduced appetite.
COMPLICATIONS
Bleeding: Ulcers can cause internal bleeding.
Perforation: A hole in the wall of a stomach.
Obstruction: Digestive tract being blocked.
Malnutrition: Poor absorption of nutrients.
Cancer: Untreated Helicobacter pylori & chronic conditions increase the possibility of gastric cancer.