Your mind probably jumps to incurable diseases that are typically in the headlines when you think of the deadliest diseases in the world. However, some of these types of diseases usually don’t rank in the top 5 causes of worldwide deaths. Here are some of the deadliest diseases that you need to be aware of.
ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE OR CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
The deadliest disease in the world is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrowed. Untreated CAD can lead to chest pain, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Some of the risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, family history of CAD, diabetes and being overweight. You can prevent CAD with medications and by maintaining good heart health. Some steps you can take to decrease your risk include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet that’s low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking and drinking only in moderation.
STROKE
A stroke occurs when an artery in your brain is blocked or leaks and causes the oxygen-deprived brain cells to begin dying within minutes. Some of the risk factors of stroke include high blood pressure, family history of stroke, smoking, of African American decent and female. Stroke prevention methods may include controlling high blood pressure with medications or change in diet, maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and maintain a low in sodium diet. Also void smoking and drink only in moderation.
LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
A lower respiratory infection is an infection in your airways and lungs that can be due to influenza, bronchitis, tuberculosis, bacteria or pneumonia. Coughing is the main symptom of a lower respiratory infection. You may also feel breathlessness, wheezing, and a tight feeling in your chest. Some of the risk factors include the flu, poor air quality or frequent exposure to lung irritants, smoking, having a weak immune system, asthma and HIV. Some preventative measures to lower your chances are to get the flu shot, wash your hands regularly before eating and touching your face.
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD. Some of the risk factors are smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke, family history and history of respiratory infections as a child. The best ways to prevent COPD are to stop smoking and to avoid secondhand smoke and other lung irritants.TRACHEA, BRONCHUS AND
LUNG CANCERS
Respiratory cancers such as cancers of the trachea, larynx, bronchus, and lungs are caused by smoking, secondhand smoke and environmental toxins. Even household pollutions such as fuels and mold can also contribute to these cancers.Trachea, bronchus and lung cancers can affect anyone, but you are less at risk if you don’t have a history of smoking or tobacco use. To prevent it, avoid diesel fumes and tobacco products as a whole.
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