Common Disorders and Diseases
Cardiovascular Disorders and Diseases
When researching Cardiovascular Disorders and Diseases the first topic that tends to come to mind is "Heart Attack." A Heart Attack is caused by the blockage of a coronary vessel, that is a vessel responsible for supplying the heart with blood. Coronary Artery Disease is a serious problem in the United States, despite heightened awareness and medical capabilities.
Arteriosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, is the collective term for many diseases of the arteries. The most common of these diseases is Atherosclerosis. This is responsible for the build-up of plaque in arteries which leads to clots and eventually may result in a heart attack.
A visit to the doctor for a regular check-up always examines a few "vital" pieces of information. One of these factors is blood pressure. There are two disorders accompanied by blood pressure.
Hypertension - Around 25% adult Americans have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Hypertension increases the risk of heart and kidney disease, as well as stroke. High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 or higher and a diastolic pressure of 90 or higher.
Average blood pressure is considered 120/80 mm hg for an adult.
Hypotension - Chronic low blood pressure, hypotension, is generally not a health concern. When blood pressure drops suddenly an inadequate supply of blood, and respectively oxygen, to the brain and other vital organs may result in medical issues.
Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
There are many illnesses and infectious diseases centered around the respiratory system. Tuberculosis (one of the most rapidly spreading disease in the world), SARS: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (a recently discovered disease), Avian Influenza, and Bronchitis to name a few. Research is available on all of these topics; however, this website will be focusing on non-communicable disorders and diseases.
Asthma is a respiratory disease often accompanied by long bouts of wheezing and occasional "Asthma Attacks." Children of families in which this disease is present are more susceptible to developing it. There are no known cures or preventive methods for this disease, nor information as to how it is arises in the individual. People with this disease (20.3 million in 2001*) are able to use an inhaler before an attack if they are aware of the signs. Many try to avoid triggers that will irritate the lungs and cause an attack. Beyond wheezing, chest-tightness, breathlessness and morning and night coughing are symptoms of this disease. During an asthma attack the sides of the airways in a person's lungs become swollen and inflamed. This causes the airway to shrink and less air to reach the persons lungs. A buildup of mucus, accompanying the swelling, will clog the airways further.
| Important Asthma Triggers |
| Environmental Tobacco Smoke, Also Known As
Secondhand Smoke
Parents, friends, and relatives of children with asthma should try to stop smoking. Until they can successfully quit, they should smoke only outdoors, not in the home or in the family car. They should not allow others to smoke in the home, and should make sure the child's school is smoke-free. |
| Dust Mites
Mattress covers and pillow case covers provide a barrier between house dust mites and the person with asthma. Down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters should not be used and stuffed animals and clutter should be removed from bedrooms. |
| Outdoor Air Pollution
Pollution caused by industrial emissions and automobile exhaust can cause an asthma episode. In large cities that have air pollution problems the number of emergency department visits for asthma episodes goes up when the air quality is very poor. |
| Cockroach Allergen
You may find cockroaches any place where food is eaten and crumbs are left behind. Decreasing exposure to cockroaches in the home can help reduce asthma attacks. Remove as many water and food sources as you can because cockroaches need food and water to survive. Vacuum or sweep these areas at least every 2-3 days. You can also use roach traps or gels to decrease the number of cockroaches in your home. |
| Pets
Furry pets may trigger an attack. The simplest solution to this situation is to find another home for the pet. However, some pet owners may be too attached to their pets or unable to locate a safe new home for the animal. Any animal causing an allergic reaction should not be allowed in the bedroom. Pets should be kept outside as much as possible and bathed weekly. People with asthma are not allergic to their pet’s fur, so trimming the pet’s fur will not help your asthma. Frequent vacuuming will reduce the presence of the allergen. If the room has a hard surface floor, it should be damp mopped weekly. |
| Mold
When mold is inhaled, it can cause asthma attacks. Eliminating mold throughout the home can help control asthma attacks. Keep humidity levels between 35% and 50%. In hot, humid climates, this may require the use of air conditioning and/or dehumidifiers. Fixing water leaks and cleaning up any mold in the home can also help. |
| Other Triggers
Strenuous physical exercise; adverse weather conditions like freezing temperatures, high humidity, and thunderstorms; and some foods and food additives and drugs can trigger asthma episodes. Strong emotional states also can lead to hyperventilation and an asthma episode. People with asthma should learn if these things trigger their episodes and avoid them when possible. |
Lung Cancer is usually caused by cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking alone is the cause of the most amount of preventable premature deaths in the United States. Cancer is an uncontrolled division of cells. These growths may produce tumors. There are two types of tumors, those that are benign and those that are malignant. Benign tumors, non-cancerous, remain in the area in which they originated. Malignant tumors spread, often through use of the lymphatic system and blood stream, until they reach other body tissue and form secondary tumors. Leukemia is an example of a form of cancer that does not produce solid tumors. Mutated genetics of a cell permit it to perform the uncontrolled cell division and also prevent the cells from doing their intended jobs. The increasing number of mutated cells depletes the nutrients needed by the healthy cells. The mutations are caused by carcinogens, certain carcinogens are attributed to specific types of cancer. Tobacco is the carcinogen responsible for Lung Cancer.
Men who smoke increase their risk of death from lung cancer by more than 22 times and from bronchitis and emphysema by nearly 10 times. Women who smoke increase their risk of dying from lung cancer by nearly 12 times and the risk of dying from bronchitis and emphysema by more than 10 times. Smoking triples the risk of dying from heart disease among middle-aged men and women.**
*Statistic and Graph Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
**Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking-attributable mortality and years of potential life lost — United States, 1990. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 1993;42(33):645-8.
Nutritional Disorders and Diseases
| Nutrient | Type | RDA | Deficiency Symptoms | Toxicity Symptoms |
| Calcium | Mineral | 1,000-1,500 mg | Muscle spasms, rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis | Non-toxic. Supplements are not recommended for individuals with kidney disease or stones. |
| Chromium | Trace Mineral | 200-600 mg | Rare: alterations in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids | Generally considered non-toxic. Exposure to industrially inhaled chromium has been linked to lung cancer. |
| Copper | Trace Mineral | 0.5-2 mg | Osteoporosis, inability of body to manufacture collagen, fatigue, baldness, slow growth, slows nervous system development, retardation | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, metallic taste, hemolytic anemia |
| Fluoride | Trace Mineral | 1.5-4 mg | Dental caries, brittle bones | Mottled teeth, osteomalacia, osteoporosis |
| Folic Acid | Water Soluble | 400-1,200 mcg | Anemia, irritability, weakness, sleep disturbances, pallor; sore and reddened tongue | Non-Toxic |
| Iodine | Mineral | 0-150 mcg (most individuals) 150-300 mcg (low iodine diet) | Growth and sexual development can be delayed in children; goiter | Usually Non-Toxic. if under 1,000 mcg/day. High doses can cause headaches, metallic taste in mouth and rash. Doses over 20,000 mcg/day are related to iodide goiter. |
| Iron | Mineral | 15-25 mg (men) 18-30 mg (women) | Anemia, dry, coarse hair, dysphagia, dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, cracked lips or tongue, nervousness, slowed mental response, pallor | Generally considered non-toxic if under 75 mg/day. High doses can cause abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe overdoses of iron can be considered fatal if medical attention is not sought. |
| Magnesium | Mineral | 500-750 mg | Sleep Disturbances, irritability, rapid heartbeat, confusion, muscle spasms, GI upset | Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fatigue, and arrhythmia |
| Manganese | Trace Mineral | 15-30 mg | Rare: atherosclerosis, confusion, tremors, elevated cholesterol levels, impaired vision and hearing, skin rash, irritability, increased blood pressure, pancreatic damage, sweating, increased heart rate, mental impairment, grinding of teeth | Usually considered non-toxic. Exposure to industrially inhaled manganese has been linked to psychiatric and nervous disorders. |
| Molybdenum | Trace Mineral | 75 mcg | Rare: increased heart rate, mouth and gum disorders, impotence in older males, increased respiratory rate, night blindness | Non-Toxic |
| Phosphorus | Mineral | 1200 mg | Fatigue, irritability, decreased appetite, bone pain, weakness, skin sensitivity | Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include brittle bones related to loss of calcium (osteoporosis). |
| Potassium | Trace Mineral | 3,500 mg | dry skin, acne, chills, diarrhea, impaired cognitive function, muscle spasms, arrythmia, edema, decreased reflex response, thirst, glucose intolerance, growth retardation, insomnia, elevated cholesterol, decreased blood pressure | Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include arrythmia and heart failure (doses exceeding 18gm/day) |
| Selenium | Mineral | 100-400 mcg (coastal and glaciated regions) 50-200 mcg (other) | Muscle weakness, linked to cancer and heart disease, fatigue, growth retardation, elevated cholesterol levels, susceptibility to infection, sterility | Rarely toxic. Symptoms may include garlic breath, brittle hair and nails, irritability, liver and kidney impairment, metallic taste in mouth, dermatitis, and jaundice. |
| Sodium | Trace Mineral | 2,400 mg | Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal cramps, dehydration, confusion, depression, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, impaired taste, low blood pressure, seizures | Edema, elevated blood pressure, potassium deficiency, diseases of the liver and kidneys. |
| Vitamin A | Fat Soluble | 5,000-50,000 IU | Poor night vision, macular degeneration, increased risk of cataracts, dry skin. Hearing, taste, smell, nerve damage | Nausea &vomiting, headaches, insomnia, dry skin, joint pain, constipation |
| Vitamin B1
Thiamin |
Water Soluble | 25-300 mg | Mild: appetite & weight loss,
nausea, vomiting, fatigue, nervous system problems
Severe: beri beri, muscle weakness, decreased DTR, edema, enlarged heart |
Generally non-toxic. |
| Vitamin B2
Riboflavin |
Water Soluble | 25-300 mg | Mild: cracks & sores to
corners of the mouth & tongue, red eyes, skin lesions,
dizziness, hair loss, inability to sleep, sensitivity to
light, and poor digestion.
Severe (rare): anemia, nerve disease |
Generally non-toxic. |
| Vitamin B3
Niacin |
Water Soluble | 25-300 mg | Mild: canker sores, diarrhea,
dizziness, fatigue, halitosis, headaches, indigestion,
inability to sleep, loss of appetite, dermatitis
Severe: pellagra |
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, flushing. Severe: Liver damage, irregular heart rate, rash to large portions of the body, gouty arthritis |
| Vitamin B5
Pantothenic Acid |
Water Soluble | 25-300 mg | Rare: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, tingling in the hands, sleep disturbances, abdominal pains & cramps | Generally considered non-toxic. |
| Vitamin B6
Pyridoxine |
Water Soluble | 1.5-2 mg | Anemia, seizures, headaches, nausea, dry & flaky skin, sore tongue, cracks on mouth, vomiting | Generally considered non-toxic. High doses (2000-6000 mg/day) can cause nerve disorders. |
| Vitamin B12
Cyanocobalamin |
Water Soluble | 25-500 mg | Unsteady gait, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disturbances, dizziness, drowsiness, liver enlargement, hallucinations, headaches, inflammation of the tongue, irritability, mood swings, nerve disorders, palpitations, pernicious anemia, tinnitus, spinal cord degeneration | Generally considered non-toxic. |
| Vitamin C | Water Soluble | 60-5,000 mg | Mild: poor wound healing,
bleeding gums, easily bruised, nosebleeds, joint pain,
lack of energy, susceptibility to infection
Severe: scurvy |
Generally considered non-toxic. High doses (5,000 mg and up/day) can cause abdominal bloating and diarrhea |
| Vitamin D | Fat Soluble | 400-800 IU | In infants, irreversible
bone deformities.
In children: rickets, delayed tooth development, weak muscles, softened skull In adults: osteomalcia, osteoporosis, hypocalcemia |
Nausea & vomiting, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, excessive thirst & urination, protein in urine, liver & kidney damage |
| Vitamin E | Fat Soluble | 30-1,200 IU | Rare symptoms may include anemia and edema | Generally non-toxic; but stomach upset, dizziness and diarrhea can occur. |
| Vitamin K | Fat Soluble | 80 mcg | Rare, except in newborns, where bleeding tendencies are possible. Elevated levels of vitamin K can interfere with the effects of anti-coagulants. | Generally non-toxic; but a type of jaundice may occur in premature infants. |
| Zinc | Mineral | 22.5-50 mg | Change in taste & smell, nails can become think & peel, acne, delayed sexual maturation, hair loss, elevated cholesterol, impaired night vision, impotence, growth retardation, increased susceptibility to infection | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, impaired coordination, fatigue |
Anorexia Nervosa is a mental, health and eating disorder. The individual believes him/herself to be fat, while to have this disorder the weight of the person is 85% or lower than what is expected for that age and height. Depression, irritability, withdrawal, the inability to accept change and responsibility often accompany this disorder of extreme weight-loss. Anorexia Nervosa has the ability to kill.
Bulimia is another mental, health and eating disorder. The individual binge eats for a certain period of time and follows this time with rapid weight loss, either with the use of vomiting, laxatives, exercise or fasting. The person becomes hungry, binge eats, and restarts the cycle. Overall weight, if Anorexia Nervosa is not present, may be maintained. As Anorexia Nervosa, this disorder has the ability to kill.
Binge Eating Disorder is often found in individuals with a predisposition to weigh more, people who have failed many diet attempts, or as a means of comfort. The obsessive eating, or constant snacking, usually causes the individual to become obese and depressed. Diet programs are not helpful in stopping Binge Eating. Suggested by the March 2002 New England Journal of Medicine, a genetic flaw may be responsible for many binge eaters.
Other less well-known eating disorders:
- Anorexia Athletica (Compulsive Exercising)
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Bigorexia)
- Chewing and Spitting
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
- Gourmand Syndrome
- Infection-triggered Auto Immune Subtype of Anorexia in Children
- Night-Eating Syndrome
- Nocturnal Sleep-related Eating Disorder
- Orthorexia Nervosa
- Pica
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Rumination Syndrome