Infectious diseases – causes, symptoms & therapy

Infectious diseases are contagious diseases that are caused by microorganisms and are usually associated with fever . The pathogens that are usually transmitted from person to person are viruses , bacteria, parasites , fungi or prions. However, transmission from animals to humans is also possible. In addition, there are other risks of infection that do not come from living beings. Viral infections and bacterial infections predominate in infectious diseases.

Infection occurs through touch, coughing, or exhaling, as well as through a smear of bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, semen, or pus . The pathogens enter the body via the digestive tract, skin, mucous membranes or respiratory tract. The typical symptoms of the disease are only recognizable after a certain incubation period. Many infectious diseases usually heal after a certain period of time without medical treatment without any consequences. Some infectious diseases have a high risk and contagion potential and require medical attention.

In order to combat certain infectious diseases, there is a legal obligation to report these diseases to the health authorities. These should take measures to prevent the spread of the disease. These include disinfection, isolation, warnings and vaccination. After surviving an infectious disease, immunity often sets in , which prevents the same disease from reoccurring.

causes

The causes of infectious diseases are diverse. The development and transmission of the pathogens can be influenced by the personal immune system, the effectiveness of a vaccination , the hygienic conditions or environmental stress. The pathogens that are responsible as the cause of an infection are each located in a source of infection before transmission. Living beings that act as a source of infection are referred to as hosts. In the case of animals, pigs, rats, chickens and cattle are particularly likely to be carriers of pathogens.Birds, ticks or mosquitoes can also trigger infectious diseases. However, the cause of an infection can also be, for example, contaminated water. Transmission of pathogens such as chickenpox or measles is even possible via the air. Spoiled food can also trigger an infectious disease. This can be caused by bacteria such as salmonella and viruses such as norovirus . Pathogens for tuberculosis can be present in soil or dust.

As a pathogen, fungi can cause infections of the skin and mucous membranes. If the immune system is weakened, organs can also be affected. Infectious diseases such as AIDS can be sexually transmitted. Inadequate genital hygiene can lead to bacterial infections in the genital area. Bacteria and parasites are often the cause of infectious diseases with diarrhea. Pneumonia can be caused by both bacteria and viruses. In the wintertime, a flu virus is often transmitted by droplet infection through coughing and sneezing.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of infectious diseases:

• body aches

• headache

• swelling

• itching

• nausea

• Diarrhea

• chills

• rash

• difficulty breathing

• fatigue

The characteristic symptoms of an infectious disease are usually fever, swelling, reddening due to inflammation, pain or itching. In addition, defense reactions of the irritated organs such as coughing, hoarseness, runny nose and cramps or nausea occur. The severity of the symptoms also depends on the condition of the personal immune system and age. Symptoms of viral and bacterial infections can include diarrhea, increased urination, discolored urine, difficulty swallowing, headaches and body aches.

In addition, impairments such as chills, rashes, itching and difficulty breathing or tiredness can also occur. In some cases, it is difficult to recognize the symptoms of an infectious disease in good time. This can be problematic, for example, in the development of Lyme disease. The specific symptoms of this disease are often absent or are weak and difficult to classify. Some infectious diseases only occur in certain parts of the body, while others affect the entire body.

shapes and types

Common infectious diseases:

• Flu

• lung infection

• Urinary tract infection

• measles

• Tuberculosis

• Aids

• Lyme disease

Bacterial infectious diseases such as whooping cough, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, scarlet fever or salmonellosis can occur. Lyme disease, syphilis, tetanus, cholera and anthrax can also occur. Viruses can lead to herpes, hepatitis, rubella as well as mumps or measles. AIDS, rabies, chickenpox, influenza or yellow fever are also viral infections. Fungi can cause infectious diseases such as aspergillosis, candidiasis or athlete’s foot.

Parasites can cause infectious diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness or roundworms. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or BSE (“mad cow disease”) can be transmitted by prions (degenerate protein ). An increased, spatially and temporally limited occurrence of an infectious disease is referred to as an epidemic. If this disease spreads significantly, it is called a pandemic. An infectious disease present indefinitely in a specific area is also called an endemic.

treatment and therapy

The treatment of an infectious disease depends on the diagnosis. Often only general symptoms related to an infection can be determined and evaluated. Further examinations such as blood tests or additional symptoms that occur during the course of the disease can make it possible to assign a specific infection. Fever and pain- relieving drugs are often given to patients in the first phase.

In addition, depending on the clinical picture, especially in the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics are used . Viral diseases are more difficult to treat because antibiotics do not help viruses. For chickenpox, an important part of therapy is relieving the excruciating itching to prevent the patient from scratching. Drugs are administered to patients with HIV disease to slow the progression of the disease. The use of these coordinated drugs is intended to reduce the viral load.

Due to the fever that occurs, there is a strong loss of fluids through sweating . Therefore, the patient should drink plenty of fluids. If the infectious disease is caused by fungi, so-called antimycotics are used as medication. Depending on the severity of an infectious disease, inpatient treatment of the patient can also be considered. Isolation wards are available for highly contagious viral infections.

prevention

As a classic preventive measure, an effective vaccination is particularly recommended for many infectious diseases. A necessary prolongation of vaccination protection is also important. When traveling to tropical countries in particular, vaccination for certain diseases is even mandatory. Sufficient hygiene is almost as important. Thorough hand washing is especially helpful.Avoiding large crowds can also help reduce the risk of infection. Regular strengthening of the immune system through a balanced diet , sufficient exercise and restful sleep is also effective . Condoms should be used during sex to avoid infection.

Many infectious diseases pose a threat to health. Some diseases can be transmitted very easily, so preventive measures should be taken. If symptoms of an infectious disease occur, a doctor should be consulted to be on the safe side.