Tuberculosis, AIDS, the common cold and the chicken pox are a few examples of infectious diseases passed through bodily fluid. However, certain diseases exist that are noninfectious. These diseases can be the result of an anatomical problem or contact with a certain allergen.
Cancer
Cancer refers to a rapid overgrowth of cells in the body. Sometimes, these cells can progress and spread to different parts in the body. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cancer can affect any organ in the body and it leads to such symptoms as fatigue, unintentional weight loss, cough, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, a palpable lump anywhere on the body and pain. Cancer also causes fever, indigestion, alterations in bowel movements and skin changes such as reddening or darkening of the skin.
Cancer is typically the result of a change in the cell's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Treatment for cancer involves radiation or chemotherapy to eliminate the cancer cells. Also, a bone marrow transplant can replace cancerous cells with healthy cells. Hormone therapy involves targeting certain cancer cells that need hormones such as estrogen to survive. These therapies will deprive the cells of the hormone, so that the cancerous cell cannot survive. Biologic therapy enhances the immune system, while target drug therapy specifically targets a cancer cell so that it doesn't survive. Surgery is another treatment option to remove cancer cells. Various clinical trials are currently studying drugs for cancer treatment.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin disorder in which the skin becomes inflamed. Symptoms of dermatitis include swelling, redness of the skin, itching and lesions on the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.
There are numerous types of dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a rash that results from certain allergens such as poison oak. Soaps and detergents typically cause this.
Perioral dermatitis affects the region around the mouth while atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that has periods of flare-ups and remissions. Makeup and fluoride can cause perioral dermatitis, while dry skin and immune system problems can lead to dermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis refers to fluid accumulation in the leg. Varicose veins (swollen veins) may lead to this. Neurodermatitis only affects a certain portion of the skin, while seborrheic dermatitis affects the face and scalp. Dry skin can lead to neurodermatitis, while stress can lead to seborrheic dermatitis.
Generally, cortisone creams, wet compresses, varicose vein surgery and tetracylcine (an antibiotic) may be used to treat dermatitis.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a medication problem in which people suddenly are overcome with a bouts of sleepiness during the day, says MedlinePlus. These are called sleep attacks. Symptoms of narcolepsy include extreme sleepiness every three to four hours, hallucinations, sleep paralysis and a sudden loss of muscle tone.
Narcolepsy is usually hereditary because it runs in families, states MedlinePlus. However, decreased levels of hypocretin in the brain may lead to narcolepsy.
Scheduling naps and following a vegetarian diet may help reduce the frequency of narcoleptic episodes. Other narcolepsy treatments involve taking medications such as fluoxetine or imipramine.
