Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are non-infectious conditions that cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases are some examples of noncommunicable diseases.
Table of Contents
- Non-communicable Diseases – Definition
- NCD – Classification and Examples
- List of Non-communicable Diseases
- Frequently Asked Questions
Non-communicable Diseases – Definition
WHO defines NCD or non-communicable disease as a chronic disorder that happens due to a combination of a variety of factors like environmental, physiological, genetic as well as behavioural factors. It is a non-infectious health condition which cannot spread among people. Still, they are responsible for around 70% of global deaths. Especially in middle and low-income countries, they are the major cause of death.
Though NCDs are mostly associated with old age, they can affect all age groups. Various factors like metabolic, behavioural, genetic and even socio-economic conditions play a vital role in causing non-communicable diseases. Here, let’s look at some examples of various non-communicable diseases.
NCD – Classification and Examples
Diseases can be classified into two broad types – communicable and non-communicable diseases.
| Communicable Diseases | Non-communicable Diseases |
|---|---|
| They are transferred/spread from one person to another. | They are not transferred/spread between people. |
| Pathogens like bacteria and viruses are the main causative agents. | Occurs due to environmental, physiological, genetic as well as behavioural factors. |
| Examples – measles, malaria, etc. | Examples – cancer, stroke, diabetes, etc. |
A person’s surroundings and lifestyle play a major role in determining NCDs. Some of the risk factors and diseases associated with it are listed below. Most of these factors can also act together as a cause for a single non-communicable disease.
- Diseases due to environmental factors – Skin cancer and malnutrition. These types of NCDs can be caused due to air pollution, UV exposure or weather changes.
- Diseases due to physiological or metabolic factors – Cardiovascular diseases, obesity, raised blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia. These are mostly due to physical inactivity, age and an unhealthy diet.
- Inherited diseases – Down’s syndrome, thalassemia, haemophilia and cystic fibrosis. These diseases are mainly due to mutations and genetic inheritance.
Most of these are interrelated with behavioural factors like alcohol consumption, unbalanced diet, tobacco usage and sedentary lifestyle.
List of Non-communicable Diseases
| Cardiovascular Disease | Stroke, heart attack, peripheral artery diseases (PAD), coronary artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, congenital heart disease, etc. |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Disease | Asthma, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational lung disease, etc. |
| Diabetes | Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes. |
| Cancer | Skin cancer, leukaemia, prostate cancer, lung cancer, break cancer, gastric carcinoma, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, etc. |
| Others | Rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative disease, osteoporosis, obesity, depression, hypertension, cataracts, cognitive impairment, chronic kidney diseases, etc. |
See more:Health and Diseases
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are also NCDs. This happens when the immune system is unable to recognise its own body tissue which further leads to an abnormal immune response. This type of disease cannot be spread from one person to another. Also, various environmental and genetic risk factors are involved in causing these NCDs. Examples – rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.
Mental Health Disorders
Another major group of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) is mental health disorders. Anxiety, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are some of the less noted non-communicable diseases. These types of mental conditions can also cause premature mortality.
Also Check:
| Protozoan Diseases |
|---|
| Infectious Diseases |
| Difference between Disinfection and Sterilisation |
Keep exploring BYJU’S Biology to learn more such exciting topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Define communicable diseases.
What are the biological causes of cancer?
How to prevent NCDs?
What are the 10 non communicable diseases?
1. Cancer
2. Diabetes
3. Heart disease
4. Chronic lung disease
5. Alzheimer’s Disease
6. Hypertension
7. Asthma
8. Mental health ailments
9. Blindness
10. Obesity
