Everyone desires healthy living; unfortunately, this isn’t always the reality. That’s because several diseases afflict many people and result in large-scale deaths. These are diseases of global concern because they occur in many countries across the world annually.
They include diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, and some cancers. These diseases can overwhelm health systems and disrupt economies because of lost productivity.
Global Diseases and Contributing Habits
Beyond their causative agents and factors like genetics, lifestyle choices influence these ailments.
Today is World Health Day, marked every April 7 to raise awareness about global health issues.
Read on to learn about habits that contribute to the development of these diseases of global concern.
1. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Also referred to as ischemic heart disease (IHD) or coronary artery disease (CAD). This is a condition where there’s less flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. It occurs because of a blockage or narrowing of the arteries owing to hardened fatty substances. Because of this, the heart won’t work properly, and it can lead to a heart attack.
The most common types of CHD are stable angina, unstable angina, and myocardial infarction (heart attack). CAD is associated with 17.8 million deaths every year.
Eating diets high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and refined carbs can promote buildup in the arteries. A lack of exercise can weaken the heart muscle, and smoking could damage the lining of blood vessels.
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2. Stroke
A stroke occurs when there is interrupted blood flow to part of the brain. It’s caused by a blockage in an artery (most common) or bleeding in the brain (more fatal). This is a dangerous situation because, without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells die within minutes.
As a result, strokes can cause permanent damage to many areas of the brain. In the worst cases, it can affect the control of vital functions like the heartbeat and breathing. Making it one of the major diseases of global concern.
Annually, 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke; 5 million die. And another 5 million get permanently disabled.
Consuming a diet high in saturated and unhealthy fats, processed foods, and sodium can contribute to stroke. Other habits include excessive alcohol consumption and chronic stress. These can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which increase the risk of developing a stroke.
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a cluster of diseases that affect the lungs. They obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult. If the lungs can’t function, it will lead to difficult breathing, collapsed lungs, and heart failure.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common types of COPD. Long-term exposure to irritants causes them, and in 2019, COPD caused over 3 million deaths.
Tobacco is the main cause of COPD; others are secondhand smoke, air pollution, and certain occupational dust.
4. Lower Respiratory Infections (LRIs)
These diseases affect the lower parts of the respiratory system. They disrupt the proper functioning of the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli (lungs). Viruses and bacteria cause LRIs, and pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis are the most common.
The effects of the pathogens hinder oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal in the lungs. This flaw can cause complications such as damage to organs and tissues, coma, and death.
They are the world’s most deadly infectious diseases; in 2019, 2.6 million people died from LRIs.
Poor hygiene, stress, a poor diet, inactivity, and sleep deprivation can promote the spread of these infections. So do excessive alcohol consumption and environmental exposure.
5. Neonatal Conditions (birth complications)
This refers to any health problems a baby experiences during the first 28 days of life. It’s a crucial time for change as they transition from the safety of the womb to the world.
The most common neonatal condition is premature birth. That’s when babies are born at 37 weeks of gestation or earlier. Because they were born before full term, they have underdeveloped organs.
In 2022, 2.3 million children died in their first month of life (neonatal deaths). As a result, birth conditions are one of the top diseases of global concern for infants.
Mothers’ lifestyles can raise the risk of neonatal death. They include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and inadequate prenatal care. Other factors are uncontrolled medical issues, poor nutrition, and unhealthy eating habits.
6. Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung (TBL) Cancer
TBL cancer refers to the growth of a group of malignant tumors in the trachea, bronchi, or lungs.
2.3 million new cases and 2 million deaths owing to TBL cancer occurred in 2019. Of them all, lung cancer is the most common.
As with many cancers, the single cause of TBL cancer is unknown. Although certain habits increase the risk factors, smoking is by far the leading contributor.
Others are from exposure to carcinogens like radon (radioactive gas), asbestos, and diesel exhaust.
7. Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias
This is a neurodegenerative disease that destroys the brain cells and impairs memory and thinking. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Often considered the same, they are different. Dementia is a broader term that covers many conditions, whereas Alzheimer’s is a specific disease.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, but genetics and age are major risk factors. Globally, about 55 million people have dementia, and it is estimated that by 2050, 152.8 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease.
People with dementia are vulnerable to infections, falls, and other health problems. Most of the time, they have different medical issues, which makes managing the condition more challenging.
Habits that can contribute to this condition include the consumption of diets high in saturated fats and processed foods. Likewise, physical inactivity, social isolation, poor sleep habits, and a lack of mental stimulation.
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8. Diarrhoeal diseases
Diarrhoeal diseases refer to frequent, watery bowel movements (stooling) that can last for several days. Also spelled diarrheal disease. It’s not a disease itself but a symptom that is caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Other causes of diarrhea are lactose intolerance and side effects from certain medications.
It’s the leading cause of death in children under 5; diarrhoeal diseases accounted for 9% of all deaths in children in 2021.
One of the biggest concerns with diarrhea is dehydration. This can be a serious issue for infants, people aged 65 and older, and those with compromised immune systems. Without treatment, diarrheal can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, or death.
Common habits that can cause diarrhea are poor hygiene and consuming unsafe food and water.
9. Diabetes Mellitus
Often called just diabetes, this is a condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar (glucose). There are two kinds of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, where the body makes little or no insulin. And type 2 diabetes, where the cells are resistant to the effects of insulin.
This is critical because the body cells need insulin to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy. As a result, the sugar (glucose) from consumed meals remains in the bloodstream.
High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease and stroke. It can also result in kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and even loss of vision. About 422 million people in the world have diabetes, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes every year.
Consuming sugary drinks, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates can increase the risk of type 1 diabetes. Same with being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of sleep. There’s no direct link between lifestyle habits and type 1 diabetes.
10. Kidney Diseases
Also known as renal diseases, these are a broad range of conditions that affect the kidney. They make them unable to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Thereby inhibiting the regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
They also make the kidney unable to produce hormones for red blood cell production and bone health.
These diseases can lead to fluid overload, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and weakened bones.
The most common kinds of kidney diseases are chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney stones.
Each year, around 1.3 million people die from kidney disease. And 1.4 million people suffer from cardiovascular disease because of impaired kidney function.
Poor diets with excessive sodium (salt) and inadequate water intake can contribute to their development. So can overweight and excessive smoking.
11. Liver Disease
Liver disease disrupts the filtering of waste products from the bloodstream. It reduces bile production and impairs clotting and protein synthesis. Viruses and a combination of other factors mostly cause them.
It can cause damage to the liver and other organs, like the brain, kidneys, and heart, as well as liver failure. The common liver diseases are hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E), cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Globally, liver disease is responsible for approximately 2 million deaths per year.
Excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet, and obesity increase the risk of this disease. Same as a sedentary lifestyle, drug use, unsafe sexual practices, and unregulated medications.
12. Tuberculosis (TB)
The bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis. It attacks the lungs and sometimes affects other parts of the body.
While treatable and preventable, if unchecked, TB can lead to respiratory distress. It can also cause damage to the lungs and other organs, leading to organ failure and death. In 2022, approximately 1.3 million people died from tuberculosis worldwide.
People who smoke, drink excessively, or abuse drugs are more susceptible to TB because of a weakened immune system.
In addition, overcrowding, poor ventilation, and a lack of vaccination in some regions can contribute to the spread of this disease.
Also Read: Is Tuberculosis Coming Back (Again)?
Take Charge of Your Health
Although several factors contribute to these diseases of global concern, your choices matter. Being aware of how habits influence these diseases can minimize your risk of health problems.
To have a healthier future, eat nutritious diets, engage in physical activity, and stop habits that can make you more vulnerable to diseases.
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