Diseases originate from bacteria, viruses, parasites and genetics, affecting every part of the human body. The digestive organs, heart, skin, urogenital system, muscles, joints, bones, central nervous system, mental and respiratory system can be afflicted with diseases from mild to debilitating to fatal. Treatment of each disease depends on the origin and extent of the disease.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum, presents with symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Possible complications include severe dehydration, perforated colon and excessive bleeding.
Cystitis
Acute cystitis is the result of a bacterial infection of the bladder caused by E. coli. Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are most susceptible to cystitis. Symptoms present with sudden or severe onset of burning and pain upon urination.
Herpes
Herpes simplex is a virus that manifests as oral herpes (HSV-1) or genital herpes (HSV-2). Oral herpes causes cold sores or herpes infections of the mouth and lips. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports symptoms of genital herpes appear within 2 weeks of sexual exposure to the virus.
Gout
Gout, a form of arthritis, causes extreme pain during an acute attack. Gout results from too much uric acid in the body and generally affects the big toe first. Left untreated, gout can cause damage to the joints.
Alzheimer's
The Alzheimer's Association reports Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal brain disease affecting more than 5 million Americans. The destruction of brain cells causes memory loss, interference with the ability to perform normal daily tasks and inability to recognize locations, family and friends.
Diabetes
Diabetes presents as type I, type II or gestational diabetes. Diagnosis of type I diabetes occurs most often in children and young adults. Type II diabetes, the most common form, is more common in people older than age 20. Gestational diabetes usually clears up after pregnancy, but may return with future pregnancies.
Cancer
Cancer develops in almost any part of the body as abnormal cells reproduce. In the United States, lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of deaths from cancer. Among men, the three common cancers are prostate, lung and colon. Among women, the three most common cancers are breast, colon and lung.
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own healthy cells. Types of lupus include systemic lupus erythematosus (affects the entire body), discoid lupus (causes a chronic rash) and subacute cutaneous lupus (causes sores from sun exposure). Lupus symptoms that may come and go include joint pain and swelling, fever, red rash, fatigue, chest pain and muscle pain.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, recognized by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990 as a disease, is a complex pain disorder. With no specific diagnostic tests, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a process of elimination of other diseases, along with specific pain points in the body. Symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, difficulty with memory and depression.
Heart Disease
Heart disease includes several types of cardiovascular abnormalities such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart valve disorders. It is the leading cause of death in the U.S. The CDC reports that 26.6 million adults in the United States have some type of heart disease.
