Disease and man
Joanna George-Johnson, Contributor

Health is the complete physical, mental and social well-being of a person, and not just an absence of disease.

A disease is a condition that impairs the health of an individual. This may be the result of the effects of a pathogen, lack of specific nutrients, inheritance of certain genes or the breakdown of organ systems in the body.

Pathogenic diseases

This is characterised by an infectious agent invading the body such as a virus, bacteria or protests, etc. These organisms that invade the body and cause illness to the host are called pathogens.

Pathogens cause illness by releasing toxins into the body after they enter the individual. These toxins in turn hamper the usual workings of the organs.

How do they enter?

Pathogens may enter the body through many ways. Some of these are:

Through the skin: Some bacteria and viruses can enter through the skin even if they are not damaged. However, most enter when the skin is damaged. An example of this is staphylococcus bacterium, which tends to enter cuts and causes them to become septic.

Through the respiratory system: Viruses of cold and influenza are carried in small droplets of moisture. When we breathe, it is possible for these to enter our respiratory tract quite easily.

In food or water: Some bacteria such as salmonella may cause food poisoning. They are taken into the body into the alimentary canal through contaminated food. The virus that causes polio and the bacteria that causes cholera may be transmitted in our water. Drinking untreated water may lead to us catching these diseases.

Categorising pathogenic diseases

It is important to note that all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are pathogenic diseases. Also, any infectious diseases fall under this category.

The main way to control pathogenic diseases is to try and destroy the agents of the disease.

Each pathogen has its unique mode of operation and, therefore, an infection may be treated differently depending on the agent that is causing the disease.

Usually, if there is a bacterial infection a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to the patient. Vaccines are sometimes used to help prevent some types of pathogenic diseases.

Some Deficiency Diseases
Lacking Nutrient	Name of disease	Description
Iron	Anemia	The body cannot transport oxygen efficiently; therefore the person becomes weak and tires easily.
Vitamin C	Scurvy	Causes bleeding of gums and other membranes.
Calcium	Rickets/Osteoporosis	Bones become brittle, or soft.
Vitamin A	Xerophthalmia	Unhealthy skin and corneas. Poor night vision or complete night blindness.
Iodine	Goitre	Swelling of thyroid gland in neck. Reduced metabolic rate.

Questions:

1. Define the word disease.

2. List the mode of transmission of a pathogenic disease.

3. Describe how you would help a person suffering with goitre and scurvy.

A member of Sons of the Prophets moves among members of the audience during Wolmer's Girls' Inter-schools' Secondary Christian Fellowship concert held under the theme: 'Touch-2-Connect: Touching the Hem'. -Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Joanna George-Johnson teaches at Ardenne High School.