Overview

Sickness is explained by people according to their experiences and customs. There is close relation between customs and and beliefs regarding illnesses. A long time ago, lives were bound to the ways of nature. People lacked the necessary knowledge and tools to harness nature to their favor. Nature for them was unpredictable. Under these conditions, they explained all things as caused by supernatural beings. Even today, many of our people still cling to these beliefs.

With the invention of modern tools and equipment, humans are now able to gradually understand the scientific basis of things around them. Tiny creatures never seen before by the naked eye were discovered through the microscope. They are called germs, bacteria or viruses, which have been found to cause many diseases. Other investigations uncovered other factors which affect health and diseases; among them are nutrition, heredity, old age and environment.

Today, we examine a sick person to identify the symptoms to diagnose sickness. We check the pulse, the heartbeat, the temp, etc. This is important to check the physical condition of the patient.

Symptoms are complaints felt and narrated. Those that are seen in a physical examination are called signs. For example, fever is a symptom. The temperature is the sign. Signs and symtoms are only clues to an underlying disease.

Ways of immediately relieving these signs and symptoms will be discussed in some of the texts uploaded here. However, you should avoid giving these treatments right away or before you even have enough understanding of what may be causing the symptoms or signs. This is because serious diseases may be missed or serious complications may arise if you limit yourself to giving patients immediate relief.

There are two general types of diseases. It is important to understand this for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

1. Infectious Diseases

Bacteria cause airborne (i.e. TB or pneumonia), waterborne (i.e. cholera, dysentery), or foodborne (i.e. Salmonella) diseases.
Viruses cause diseases such as colds and flu. They can also spread through use of infected needles (Hepa B) or through sexual contact (HIV/AIDS).
Parasites like worms and amoeba in contaminated food and water can cause diseases. Malaria is also caused by a parasite.
Fungi can cause contact diseases such as dandruff or skin diseases. This can be contracted through the use of contaminated soap, water, clothes and other personal belongings.

2. Non-infectious Diseases

Malnutrition, anemia, goiter caused by lack of food or proper nutrition
Wounds, animal bites, fractures caused by accidents
Hereditary diseases like asthma, skin allergy
Congenital problems like harelip
Diseases of the lung due to smoking and liver disease due to alcoholism
Cancer, deformities in the fetus due to environmental factors such as chemical, air and water pollution
Diseases related to old age like rheumatism, cataract, heart illnesses
Emotional problems like depression and stress