Is there such a thing as a disease?

Most of us feel we have an intuitive grasp of the idea, reaching mentally to images or memories of colds, cancer or tuberculosis. But a look through any medical dictionary soon shows that articulating a satisfactory definition of disease is surprisingly difficult.

Which is an example of an infectious disease?

Infectious diseases are illnesses transferable from one individual to the other. Contagious diseases are spread by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. An infection can develop in different parts of your body. Some of the significant parts vulnerable to infections are the brain, lungs, and heart. An excellent example of infectious disease is a common cold.

What do you call the study of disease?

Ramon Espinosa/AP The study of disease is called pathology. It involves the determination of the cause (etiology) of the disease, the understanding of the mechanisms of its development (pathogenesis), the structural changes associated with the disease process (morphological changes), and the functional consequences of those changes.

Why do viruses and diseases have different names?

Official names have been announced for the virus responsible for COVID-19 (previously known as “2019 novel coronavirus”) and the disease it causes. The official names are: Why do the virus and the disease have different names? Viruses, and the diseases they cause, often have different names. For example, HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

What is the medical term meaning infectious disease?

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms – such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They’re normally harmless or even helpful. But under certain conditions, some organisms may cause disease. Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person.

What are the disorders of the liver?

The most common liver diseases are various types of: acute (sudden) hepatitis (inflammation), chronic (long duration) hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring), and. cancer.

What is a heart condition?

Heart conditions include a wide variety of diseases, disorders and conditions that affect the heart and sometimes the blood vessels as well. Types of heart conditions include angina, heart attack (myocardial infarction), atherosclerosis, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).