The deadliest diseases in the world right now

When we think about the deadliest diseases in the world, our minds usually jump to the fast-acting, incurable ones that we see in headlines. However, many of these types of diseases don’t even rank in the top 10 causes of worldwide deaths. When it comes to the top deadliest diseases, several of them are partially preventable. However, unpreventable factors include where a person lives, access to preventive care, and quality of healthcare, all of which factor into risk.

10. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the result of chronic or long-term scarring and damage to the liver. The damage may be the result of kidney disease, or by conditions such as hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

As substances damage the liver, scar tissue forms. As more scar tissue forms, the liver has to work harder to function properly and may eventually stop working.

Moderating alcohol intake can help prevent liver damage and cirrhosis. You can also prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by enjoying a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

9. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a lung condition caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s a treatable airborne bacterium, although some strains are resistant to conventional treatments.

Risk factors for TB include diabetes, HIV infection, lower body weight, proximity to others with TB, and regular use of certain medications such as corticosteroids or drugs that suppress the immune system. TB is one of the top causes of death in people who have HIV.

The best prevention against TB is to get the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which is typically given to infants and children in areas where TB is common.

8. Dehydration due to diarrheal diseases

If your diarrhea lasts more than a few days, your body loses too much water and salt. This causes dehydration, which can be fatal in severe cases.

Diarrhea is usually caused by an intestinal virus or bacteria transmitted through contaminated water or food. It’s particularly widespread in areas with poor sanitary conditions. The best method of prevention is practicing good hygiene.

Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children younger than five years old. About 525,000 children die from diarrheal diseases each year.

7. Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory, interferes with decision-making, and interrupts normal cognitive functions.

The disease starts off by causing mild memory issues, difficulty recalling information, and slips in recollection. Over time, the disease progresses, and you may not have memory for large periods of time.

Currently, there’s no way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and researchers aren’t sure why some people develop it and others don’t.

6. Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes affects the production or use of insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. This type of diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or insulin can’t be used effectively. This type can be caused by a number of factors, including poor diet and lack of physical activity.

Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to complications such as impaired wound healing, kidney failure, and blindness.

While diabetes isn’t always preventable, you can control the severity of symptoms by exercising regularly and following a well-rounded diet.

5. Respiratory cancers

Respiratory cancers include cancers of the trachea, larynx, bronchus, and lungs.

The main causes are smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental toxins. However, household pollutants, such as fuels and mold, also contribute.

Aside from avoiding fumes and tobacco products, there isn’t any other known way to prevent lung cancers. However, routine lung scans and early detection can result in more effective treatment and an improved outlook.

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD.

Risk factors for COPD include smoking or secondhand smoke, chemical fumes, family history, or respiratory infections as a child.

There’s no cure for COPD, but its progression can be slowed with medication. Also, the best ways to prevent COPD are to stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and other lung irritants.

3. Lower respiratory infections

A lower respiratory infection is an infection in your airways and lungs. It can be caused by influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis, or tuberculosis (TB).

Coughing is the main symptom of a lower respiratory infection. It may produce blood sputum. You may also experience a fever, sweating, chills, breathlessness, wheezing, and a tight feeling in your chest.

Risk factors for lower respiratory infection include the flu, poor air quality, smoking, a weak immune system, asthma, or crowded childcare settings.

2. Stroke

A stroke occurs when an artery in your brain is blocked or leaks. This causes the oxygen-deprived brain cells to begin dying within minutes.

During a stroke, you feel sudden numbness and confusion or have trouble walking and seeing. If left untreated, a stroke can cause long-term disability. But people who receive treatment within three hours of having a stroke are less likely to have disabilities.

Smoking, family history with stroke, and high blood pressure are common risk factors. However, these factors can be lowered with preventive care, medications, and lifestyle changes.

1. Ischemic heart disease, or coronary artery disease

The deadliest disease in the world is coronary artery disease (CAD). Also known as ischemic heart disease, 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.

Risk factors of CAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history with CAD, diabetes, smoking, and being overweight.

CAD is preventable with medications and by taking steps to improve heart health, including regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, and eating a balanced diet.

Source: The deadliest diseases in the world right now (msn.com)