PREVENTING THE TOP KILLER DISEASES

When we think of killer diseases, we might be inclined to imagine the ones with visually severe symptoms that grab the headlines for their rapid spread and lives lost.

On the contrary, many of the diseases that have those characteristics don’t kill as many people as we believe, not even ranking among the top 10 causes of death worldwide.

It turns out that the deadliest diseases are those with a slow progression.

Unlike the diseases with a rapid spread and disastrous consequences, the deadly diseases that progress slowly can be monitored and controlled.

?With the right diagnosis, preventive care, and advice from healthcare providers, patients can take steps to lower their risk of fatal consequences.

Here are the top five diseases that kill most people worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organization:

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

The deadliest killer disease for humans currently is coronary artery disease, also known as ischaemic heart disease.

When a person’s blood vessels narrow due to damage, they are at severe risk of heart disease.

Symptoms include arrhythmias, chest pain, and heart failure.

You are at risk for heart disease if you have one or more of the following factors:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Smoking
• Family history of coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Being overweight

Fortunately, due to improved science, medical care, and education, death rates due to coronary artery diseases have declined, even though it remains the number one killer.

Coronary artery disease can be avoided by maintaining a lifestyle that encourages good heart health.

To decrease the risk of having coronary artery disease, follow these tips:

• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced diet low in sodium, and high in fruits and vegetables
• Avoid smoking
• Drink alcohol in moderation

STROKE

A stroke can happen when an artery in the brain gets blocked or leaks.

Your brain will then be deprived of oxygen and cells will begin to die within minutes.

Symptoms of a stroke include numbness in parts of your body, trouble walking or seeing, and confusion.

It’s possible to recover from a stroke, but if left untreated, it can cause long-term disability.

Getting treatment within three hours of experiencing a stroke lessens the likelihood of long-term disabilities.

Hence, stroke remains the leading cause of long-term disabilities.

Risk factors for stroke include:

• High blood pressure
• Family history of stroke
• Smoking, especially when combined with oral contraceptives
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Brain aneurysms
• Age and gender

Some risk factors of stroke can be reduced with preventative health care, medications, and lifestyle changes.

In general, good health habits can lower your risk. These include:

• Controlling high blood pressure
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy diet low in sodium
• Avoiding smoking
• Drinking alcohol in moderation

LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTION

The flu, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and pneumonia are sources of infections in your lungs.

Viruses and bad bacteria enter your airways, causing key symptoms like coughing, breathlessness or tightness in your chest, and wheezing.

If left untreated, lower respiratory infections can lead to death.

Avoid spreading or picking up bad bacteria by washing your hands frequently, especially before eating and touching your face.

If you get an infection, stay at home as much as possible to allow yourself a chance to rest and clear the infection more quickly, as well as to avoid infecting others.

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

This condition makes breathing difficult in the long term.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are some of the most common types of progressive COPD.

Risk factors for COPD include:

• Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
• Exposure to lung irritants like chemical fumes
• A history of respiratory infections as a child
• Family history of COPD

The progression of COPD can be delayed with medication, getting treatment quickly increases your chances of successful treatment.

You can also prevent COPD by quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoke and other lung irritants.

RESPIRATORY CANCERS

This disease includes cancers of the bronchus, trachea, lungs, and larynx.

Factors that lead to developing this type of cancer include second-hand smoke, toxic particles, smoking, mold in the home, and other environmental toxins.

Although those who smoke are the most at risk for developing this condition, it can happen to anyone.

Family history and regular exposure to environmental poisons also play a role.

The most obvious method of prevention is to stop smoking, or not starting.

Asides from that, there isn’t much that can be done to specifically arrest the development of this disease, except to minimize your exposure to a poisonous environment.

You can also use an air purifier in your home and office, and wear a mask when going outside in poor air quality conditions.

Early detection can save you from experiencing the very worst symptoms of respiratory cancer