The Top 10 Most Prevalent Disease Lists in Today’s Society
As the world continues to grow and progress, the prevalence of diseases and illnesses has also increased significantly. Certain diseases have become so widespread that they have become a leading cause of death worldwide. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 most prevalent diseases in today’s society.
1. Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. CVD includes arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, arrhythmias, and peripheral vascular disease. It is the leading cause of death worldwide, with 17.9 million deaths reported in 2016 alone. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, a poor diet, and lack of physical activity, are major contributing factors to CVD.
2. Cancer
Cancer is a broad term used to describe a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. There are over 100 different types of cancer, but the most common ones include lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and skin cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 9.6 million deaths reported in 2018.
3. Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases refer to a group of disorders that affect the lungs and respiratory system. These diseases can range from acute infections such as pneumonia and influenza to chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Respiratory diseases are responsible for approximately 10% of all deaths worldwide, with 3.9 million deaths reported in 2016.
4. Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of brain cells. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with 10 million new cases reported each year.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin, and type 2 diabetes, which is caused by a combination of insulin resistance and a lack of insulin production. Diabetes affects approximately 463 million people worldwide, with 4.2 million deaths reported in 2019.
6. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease refers to a group of disorders that affect the functioning of the kidneys. These disorders can range from acute kidney injury to chronic conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney disease affects approximately 850 million people worldwide, with 1.2 million deaths reported in 2017.
7. Mental and Behavioral Disorders
Mental and behavioral disorders refer to a group of conditions that affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior. These disorders can range from mild conditions such as anxiety and depression to more severe illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Mental and behavioral disorders affect approximately 450 million people worldwide, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29.
8. Digestive Diseases
Digestive diseases refer to a group of disorders that affect the digestive system. These diseases can range from acute conditions such as gastroenteritis and peptic ulcers to chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver disease. Digestive diseases affect approximately 250 million people worldwide, with 1.6 million deaths reported in 2016.
9. HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and certain cancers. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of HIV infection, characterized by a significant loss of immune function. HIV/AIDS affects approximately 38 million people worldwide, with 690,000 deaths reported in 2019.
10. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. TB affects approximately 10 million people worldwide, with 1.5 million deaths reported in 2018.
In conclusion, the prevalence of diseases in today’s society is a growing concern. The top 10 most prevalent diseases discussed in this article are responsible for millions of deaths worldwide each year. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek medical attention promptly to reduce the risk of developing these diseases. Finally, more research and funding are needed to develop effective treatments and cures for these diseases.
