Communicable diseases
Communicable diseases are those diseases, which can be transferred from one individual to another. Typically, it is caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria. For instance diseases such as AIDS, malaria, dengue etc.
These diseases are communicated by several methods such as touch, intercourse or oral exchange from the infected person, contact with the contaminated subject, surface or object, consuming contaminated food and water, bites from insects that cause such diseases (malaria, for example), or through the air, such as tuberculosis.
Non-communicable diseases (NCD)
Non communicable disease definition: The diseases which are not transmitted from one to another person are known as non-communicable diseases (NCD). These are typically some of the allergies, nutrient deficiencies etc. For example, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, etc. Healthy life cycle that involves proper diet, complete sleep, no smoking and maintaining body weight are some of the measures that can improve one’s life quality and prevent these diseases.
Difference between Communicable and Non-communicable diseases
The table below depicts the important differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Communicable Diseases | Non-communicable diseases | |
Definition | ||
Diseases spread from one to another person. Can be spread through water, air etc | Diseases cannot be transmitted from one to another person | |
Causative | ||
Pathogens that are highly infectious and vectors transmit these diseases | Here, the causative are allergies, malnutrition, illness due to internal factors, lifestyle changes, environmental changes, abnormalities in cell proliferation etc | |
Agent causing infection | ||
Virus, bacteria | No agents | |
Inheritance factor | ||
Cannot be inherited from one generation to another | Can be inherited from one generation to another | |
Example | ||
AIDS, Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Cholera | Allergies, heart diseases, diabetes | |
Type of disease | ||
As it can develop almost immediately, it is acute | As it develops over a period of time and lasts for long, it is chronic | |
Treatment | ||
Traditional methods/therapies | Surgically or specialized methodologies |
These were some important differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases. Explore differences on more topics at BYJU’S for NEET.
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