The human body is an amazing and vulnerable machine however improper maintenance can often be fatal. Here are the top 10 worst diseases in the world.
1. Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic Heart Disease is the number one killer worldwide and deprives the heart of both blood and oxygen. If left untreated, it leads to heart failure, which leads to death. Ischemic Heart Disease impacts 1 in 100 people annually, generally middle aged and elderly males although women also suffer. The most common risk factors are diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure so it is highly advisable that you keep your body at peak performance levels. Heart Disease kills 7.5 million people worldwide, making it number one in the top 10 worst diseases in the world.
2. Lung Cancer
There are over a hundred different forms of this deadly disease. Lung cancer is caused by smoking and develops when cells of your body mutate and grow abnormally. It can spread through your entire body and kills 1.3 million people annually. Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer ranking it number 2 on the top 10 worst diseases in the world list.
3. HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease that destroys the immune system. HIV weakens your immune system and leaves you vulnerable to common communicable diseases. Once HIV develops into full blown AIDS, you are open to attack from a multitude of viruses and your body cannot create enough T cells and CD4 cells to fight these viruses. In these cases everyday illnesses such as the common cold can easily become life threatening diseases. There is currently no cure making it to number 3 in the top 10 worst diseases in the world.
4. Stroke
Stoke occurs when blood does not properly reach the brain either due to blockage or when a blood vessel bursts open. This causes the brain to become deprived of blood and oxygen causing it to shut down. When this happens the appropriate signals are not sent to your body and permanent damage results, even death.
5. Lower Respiratory Disease
This disease results from either bronchitis or pneumonia and is caused by a virus or bacterial infection in the lungs. It is easy to take breathing for granted, but when you have a respiratory disease, it can become a herculean feat. Symptoms include runny nose, headache, sneezing and sore throat. It can often be hard to diagnose as these symptoms are commonly mistreated as something else. It is always good to seek the consultation of your physician if any of these symptoms persist.
6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Also known as COPD, this disease causes a breakdown in lung tissue and may result in bronchitis or emphysema making it difficult to breathe. The leading cause of this disease is smoking but it can also be the result of contact with harmful gasses or fumes at work and sometimes even second hand smoke.
7. Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be quite dangerous to your health. In fact, diarrhea is the number 2 cause of death in infants. It can lead to a number of related health problems such as electrolyte depletion and can cause your entire immune system to shut down. In some cases, adults have been known to have chronic diarrhea lasting over two months. It is common for adults to have at least one case of severe diarrhea a year, infants often twice a year resulting in death in extreme cases.
8. Ebola
The Ebola virus originated in Africa and causes nonspecific flu like symptoms that often go ignored. Soon, they develop into internal and external bleeding causing nonstop bleeding from every orifice. Ebola kills 90% of those infected. There is no cure although if caught soon enough, the symptoms can be treated increasing the survival rate of the disease. Ebola often makes its rounds in undeveloped 3rd world nations with poor sanitary conditions and lack of vaccines earning its place among the top 10 worst diseases in the world.
9. Malaria
Mosquitos are a real nuisance and plague everybody’s camping trip however you may be surprised to learn that they can be harbingers of death as well. Mosquitos carry parasites that cause malaria which spreads from person to person through their bite. Although these parasites multiply quickly, it can take up to a year to show the flulike symptoms of this disease. Malaria thrives in warm, tropical climates and there is no vaccination.
10. Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that infects roughly 12 million people a year worldwide and claims 157,000 lives per year. It is highly communicable and is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The disease is transmitted through contact with open sores and sometimes can be passed to the baby through the mother.
