Diseases of the body

How do acute illnesses progress?

There are many different acute illnesses. Acute illnesses include bone fractures, for example.

However, most acute illnesses are infections. This means that a pathogen causes the illness. Pathogens are viruses, bacteria and fungi. This is why they are also called infectious diseases.

There are various infectious diseases. For example, influenza or a gastrointestinal infection. Here we provide you with general information on infectious diseases.

Acute illnesses usually come on quickly and suddenly. They also usually go away quickly. This means that you are often healthy again after three to fourteen days.

That is the difference to chronic illnesses. You feel bad quickly. This means that you quickly feel symptoms of the acute illness.

Symptoms are signs that indicate an illness. There are different symptoms. You may have pain or other changes in your body. Or a doctor may find symptoms during an examination.

The symptoms get worse over several hours or days. At some point, the symptoms are at their worst. Then the peak of the disease is reached.

After that, the symptoms become less severe. You feel better again. In most cases, you will be as healthy as before after the acute illness.

How do acute illnesses develop?

Various things trigger an acute illness. Most acute illnesses are caused by pathogens.
Examples of pathogens are bacteria, viruses and fungi. Pathogens are very small. They can get into your body. Sometimes they make you ill.

Not everyone gets ill when a pathogen enters their body. Everyone has an immune system. The immune system protects the body from illness. That’s why we also say that the immune system is our defence system.

Some people have a strong immune system. Some people have a weak immune system. This is different for everyone.

This is why people have a weak immune system: they may eat unhealthy food. Or they take medication that weakens the immune system. Or they may have an illness that weakens the immune system.

If the immune system is strong, the body is better able to fight off pathogens. People are then less likely to get sick from pathogens.

Your body quickly fends off most pathogens. Then you stay healthy. You don’t even notice the pathogens. You don’t get any symptoms and you continue to feel well.

Sometimes the immune system takes too long. Then there are more and more pathogens in your body. You develop symptoms and feel ill.

The pathogens are all different. That’s why there are different diseases. Some pathogens cause serious illnesses. Some pathogens do not cause such serious illnesses.

How can you protect yourself?

Many diseases come from pathogens. You can protect yourself from pathogens. There are rules to help you do this.
Hygiene is particularly important. Hygiene is another word for cleanliness. The word hygiene is often used when talking about health. Hygiene helps you to stay healthy.

Pathogens are almost everywhere in the environment. Pathogens are on our skin. And they are also in our bodies.

You pick up pathogens when you touch things with your hands. Pathogens are then on your hands. Sometimes you touch your mouth or rub your eyes. The pathogens can then enter your body.

You can also pass on pathogens yourself. You pass on pathogens on your hands when you shake hands to greet someone. Or when you touch a shopping trolley.

It is therefore very important that you wash your hands often. Then you protect other people and yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water. This will remove pathogens from your skin.

Sometimes it is particularly important to wash your hands. For example, when you want to eat something or have been to the toilet. You should wash your hands as often as possible.

Pathogens are also often found on fruit and vegetables. The pathogens can make you ill. It is therefore important that you wash fruit and vegetables well. It is best to wash fruit and vegetables when you want to eat them.

There are also pathogens at home. It is important that your home is clean. Sometimes pathogens are not wiped away for a long time. Then the pathogens can multiply quickly and you become ill.

You can also do other things to keep your immune system strong. Then your body can fight pathogens better. For example, you need various nutrients. You absorb nutrients through food.

It is important that you eat healthily. It is best to eat fresh food. And eat different things. Don’t eat the same thing every day. If you eat healthily, this is also called a ‘balanced diet’.

For a balanced diet, you need, for example: fruit, vegetables, wholemeal products, pulses and vegetables.

How do chronic illnesses progress?

There are various ways to define chronic illness, but in general, it refers to a condition that lasts for an extended period.

Most definitions state that an illness is chronic if it lasts at least one year. This distinguishes it from acute illnesses.

Most chronic illnesses develop over a long time. Sometimes, they progress gradually; at other times, they worsen in episodes or flares.

At the onset of a chronic illness, symptoms are often mild and may worsen over time or lead to serious complications.

In some cases, symptoms do not go away, resulting in permanent damage. Organs may be affected, or the body may not function properly.

Some chronic illnesses are incurable, meaning they do not go away. People with chronic illnesses often need ongoing medical care.

Because chronic illnesses vary widely, their progression is very different from one condition to another.

If you have questions about your chronic illness, talk to your doctor. They can explain how your illness might progress or what symptoms to expect. You can also discuss treatment options with them.

Why do chronic illnesses occur?

There are many triggers for chronic illness. For instance, a family history of chronic illness may indicate a genetic predisposition.

This means that a tendency toward certain illnesses is inherited through genes passed down by blood relatives. Genes act as a blueprint for the body, determining traits such as appearance and increasing the likelihood of certain illnesses.

It’s important to know about chronic illnesses in your family. Share this information with your doctor, who can help you decide on further steps. They may recommend specific tests for early detection or prevention.

Your lifestyle also plays a role in the development of chronic illnesses. Certain factors have a particularly strong impact, such as an unhealthy diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or being overweight.

Lack of physical activity can also contribute negatively. Regular exercise supports overall health and helps prevent chronic illnesses.

Environmental factors can also cause illness. For example, exposure to mould, toxic substances, or excessive UV radiation from the sun can be harmful.

In summary, your genes, lifestyle, and environment all influence whether you may develop a chronic illness.

How can you protect yourself?

The most important step is to take care of your health by living a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet is particularly essential.

A balanced diet means eating a variety of foods, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and drinking plenty of water.

A healthy lifestyle also involves avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.

Additionally, staying physically active is crucial. Physical activity could include walking or participating in a sport. Exercise benefits the body in many ways.

For example, exercise supports heart health, strengthens the entire body, and builds muscle, which helps the body defend against illness.

Early detection of chronic illnesses is key. Starting treatment early can often lead to better outcomes. Regular check-ups with your doctor are vital for early detection and prevention.

Chronic illnesses can progress in many ways. If detected early, they often have better outcomes. Late detection, however, can lead to worse outcomes, making early diagnosis critical.

How can you recover?

Chronic illnesses typically last a lifetime. However, symptoms and the severity of the illness can often be managed. It’s essential to work with your doctor to plan treatment.

The shared goal between you and your doctor is to minimise limitations. Many people with chronic illnesses can lead normal lives and feel healthy.

Your doctor can guide you in determining what works best for you and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What chronic illnesses are there?

There are many different chronic illnesses, which vary greatly. Some are more common, some occur early in life, and others develop later.

Chronic illnesses affect various parts of the body. Commonly affected areas include:

Joints: Joints connect two or more bones. Most are movable and made up of various components, such as cartilage.

A common joint condition is osteoarthritis, where the cartilage layer thins, causing joint pain.

Heart: Heart conditions are part of cardiovascular diseases. They occur when the heart doesn’t function properly or its structure is impaired.

Many cardiovascular diseases develop over time due to physical, psychological, or social factors. A very common condition is high blood pressure.

Lungs: The lungs are essential for breathing. When you inhale, oxygen enters the lungs, where it’s absorbed into the blood and distributed throughout the body.

A common lung condition is asthma, which involves inflamed and narrowed airways, causing chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Metabolism: The body needs various substances to sustain life, which are built up, broken down, or converted into new substances through metabolism.

One metabolic disorder is diabetes, where the body cannot process sugar effectively.

Mental health: Mental health encompasses emotions, perception, and behaviour. A mental illness arises when psychological well-being is compromised.

The mind and body are interconnected, meaning mental illness can also affect physical health. Symptoms vary widely. An example is depression, which affects mood and motivation, making daily life difficult.

There are many other chronic illnesses, such as cancer or chronic pain.

If you suspect you may have a chronic illness or have been feeling unwell for an extended period, consult your doctor.

They will conduct a thorough examination and provide treatment if necessary.

Even if you already have a chronic illness, you can always consult your doctor. They will answer your questions and offer guidance on managing your condition.