Noncommunicable Diseases Types and its Prevention (original) (raw)
Non-communicable Diseases -Types and its Prevention
Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
**Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are those diseases that do not spread from one person to another. These diseases can be caused due to different factors like lifestyle, environment, genetic composition, age, and stress. Usually, NCDs develop very slowly and persist for a prolonged duration of time, sometimes throughout the lifetime. Some common examples of non-communicable diseases are- diabetes, asthma, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, etc. Prevention of NCDs includes proper diet, healthy lifestyle, and adaptation of stress relieving exercises like meditation, and yoga.
Table of Content
- Definition of Non-Communicable Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Examples Non-Communicable Diseases
- Classification of Non-Communicable Diseases
- Factors that cause Non-Communicable Diseases
- Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases
Definition of Non-Communicable Diseases
**Non-communicable diseases or NCDs are diseases that do not get transmitted from one person to another through any medium.
Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases are those diseases that do not spread from one affected person to another person. These diseases are caused by various factors like environment, genetic composition, exposure to toxic substances, etc. These diseases are categorised based on multiple criteria like cause of occurrence and age of occurrence. Most of the time these diseases are chronic, having slow occurrence and prolonged duration. Some very frequently encountered non-communicable diseases are diabetes, cancer, depression, etc.
Examples Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable are usually caused by genetic, environmental, or behavioural factors. Common examples list of non-communicable diseases are listed below.
| **Disease | **Cause | **General Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| **Cardiovascular Disease | Risk factors include hypertension, smoking, poor diet | Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue |
| **Diabetes Mellitus | Genetic and lifestyle factors | Fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, hyperglycaemia |
| **Diabetes Insipidus | Insufficient production or action of antidiuretic hormone | Excessive thirst, excessive urination |
| **Gestational diabetes | Hormonal changes during pregnancy | Increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, hyperglycaemia |
| **Cancer | Genetic mutation, exposure to carcinogen. | Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer. Common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, lumps, changes in bowel or bladder habits, etc. |
| **Polycystic Ovarian Disease | Hormonal factors, genetics | Irregular periods, ovarian cysts, fertility issues |
| **Alzheimer's Disease | Age, genetics | Memory loss, cognitive decline, behavioral changes |
| **Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) | Environmental factors, sometimes genetics, smoking | Shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing |
| **Osteoarthritis | Wear and tear of joint cartilage, ageing | Joint pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion |
| **Hypertension | Genetic factors, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise | High blood pressure, headaches, dizziness |
| **Obesity | Poor diet, lack of physical activity and other diseases. | Excessive body weight, increased risk of other diseases |
| **Hypothyroidism | Insufficient thyroid hormone production | Fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold |
| **Hyperthyroidism | Excessive thyroid hormone production | Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance |
| **Crohn's disease | Genetic predisposition, environmental factors | Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss |
Apart from the diseases mentioned in the above diseases, there are many other diseases that fall under the category of non-communicable diseases like autoimmune diseases, asthma, neurological disorders, muscular dystrophy, mental disorders, renal diseases, etc.
Classification of Non-Communicable Diseases
Based on the organs affected, the age at which a disease occurs, and the different external factors that cause it, a disease can be classified. The three broad categories into which non-communicable diseases can be classified are discussed below.
**Lifestyle Diseases
Lifestyle diseases are ailments primarily influenced by individual behaviors and choices. They are commonly associated with modern living and include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and respiratory conditions. Common causes of these diseases are sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.
**Geriatric Diseases
Geriatric diseases are those diseases which are prevalent in older populations, often characterized by complex and chronic issues. Common among these are neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, arthritis affecting joints, cardiovascular ailments, and osteoporosis leading to fragile bones.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases are caused when the immune system, designed to protect the body, mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes. These disorders result in chronic inflammation and can affect various organs and systems. Autoimmune diseases often have a genetic predisposition, triggered by environmental factors.
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders are another group of non-communicable diseases. These disorders affect thoughts, emotions, and behavior, and impact an individual's daily functioning and well-being. Common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.
Factors that Cause Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases result from the combination of multiple factors that can be genetic, environmental, or lifestyle and behaviour. Some common factors are:
- **Lack of physical activity: Lack of physical activity results in various disorders like obesity, cardiovascular disorders, etc.
- **Improper Diet: Overconsumption of food or undernutrition can result in obesity, diabetes, deficiency disorders etc.
- **Genetic composition: Some diseases like hemophilia, sickle cell anaemia, etc. result from genetic mutation. Some of the genetic disorders tend to be inherited as well and are prominent within a family.
- **Use of Tobacco: Tobacco is one of the major cause of diseases like mouth cancer, throat cancer, and stomach cancer. When smoked in, it can cause lung cancer as well.
- **Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption can result in stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cirrhosis, ulcers, etc.
- **Stress: Stress is a cause of several mental disorders. Along with affecting mental health, stress can be a risk factor for many other diseases like diabetes, PCOS, etc.
- **Environmental factors: Environmental factors like the presence of carcinogens, other pollutants, etc. can also cause diseases like cancer, silicosis, asthma, COPD, etc.
- **Hormones: Malsecretion of different hormones can also cause some diseases like PCOD, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes insipidus, etc.
Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases
Prevention of non-communicable diseases involves holistic approaches that promote a healthy lifestyle. Some common methods of prevention of non-communicable diseases are:
- Eating a healthy diet and limiting the intake of processed food, sugars, and saturated fats.
- Engaging in physical activities like running, jogging, and performing yoga.
- Controlling the use of tobacco and alcohol consumption.
- Getting vaccinated for different diseases.
- Taking up stress management activities like meditation and mindfulness games.
- Taking measures to reduce pollution and prevent exposure to carcinogens.
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