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Non Communicable Disease (NCD)

NCD stands for “Non-Communicable Disease.” Non-communicable diseases are medical conditions that are not directly caused by infectious agents (like bacteria, viruses, or parasites) and are generally not transmissible from person to person. These diseases tend to develop over time and are often associated with lifestyle factors, genetics, and environmental influences.

Common examples of non-communicable diseases include:

  1. Cardiovascular Diseases: These include conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
  2. Cancer: Non-communicable diseases that involve the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body, leading to the formation of tumors.
  3. Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Conditions affecting the lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
  4. Diabetes: A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to inadequate insulin production or poor response to insulin.
  5. Chronic Kidney Disease: Progressive loss of kidney function over time, often caused by conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
  6. Mental Health Disorders: Conditions affecting mental and emotional well-being, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
  7. Neurological Disorders: Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
  8. Obesity: Excessive body weight that can lead to a range of health problems.
  9. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): A condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
  10. Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weakened and brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
  11. Dental Diseases: Oral health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease.

NCDs are a significant global health challenge, responsible for a large proportion of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Risk factors for NCDs include unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and environmental factors. Because many NCDs are preventable or manageable through lifestyle changes and proper medical care, addressing these risk factors and improving access to healthcare are crucial in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.