Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), in Biology, refer to chronic illnesses that are not transmitted from person to person. Common examples include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory and kidney diseases, osteoporosis, and obesity, which often arise due to lifestyle habits, genetic factors, and environmental conditions.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
- Risk Factors: In addition to poor diet and physical inactivity, factors such as family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, and chronic stress increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases.
- Types of CVDs:
- Atherosclerosis: Hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup.
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked.
- Stroke: A blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain, leading to damage.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to limbs, causing pain or ulcers.
- Management: Besides medications (e.g., aspirin, beta-blockers), lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and avoiding excessive salt intake are important.
Cancer
- Risk Factors: Genetic mutations, environmental pollutants, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and hormonal imbalances may increase the risk. Lifestyle choices such as a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are also major contributors.
- Cancer Screening: Early detection through screenings like mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, and Pap smears for cervical cancer can significantly reduce the mortality rate.
- Cancer Prevention:
- Avoiding smoking is one of the most effective preventive measures.
- Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight to lower the risk of developing certain cancers, such as colon and breast cancer.
- Vaccination: Vaccines like the HPV vaccine (for cervical cancer) and Hepatitis B vaccine (for liver cancer) help prevent specific cancers.
- Management: Newer treatments include immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, and targeted therapy, which focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
- Type 2 Diabetes is more common and is primarily due to insulin resistance, where the body does not use insulin effectively.
- Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child.
- Complications of poorly managed diabetes include kidney damage, eye problems (retinopathy), neuropathy (nerve damage), and cardiovascular diseases.
- Management: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, insulin therapy (for Type 1), lifestyle interventions (for Type 2), and medications like metformin or sulfonylureas.
Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs)
- Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often triggered by allergens, exercise, or cold air.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, typically caused by long-term exposure to tobacco smoke or air pollution.
- Occupational lung diseases such as silicosis or asbestosis, caused by inhaling dust or chemicals at the workplace.
- Management:
- Medications: Inhalers containing bronchodilators or corticosteroids to help open the airways and reduce inflammation.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding triggers, using air purifiers, and exercising to improve lung function.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A program involving exercise, education, and support for improving the health of individuals with chronic lung conditions.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Risk Factors: High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of kidney damage.
- Stages of CKD: The disease progresses through five stages, from mild kidney damage to complete kidney failure (Stage 5), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Symptoms: Many people with early-stage CKD have no symptoms. Symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination appear as the disease progresses.
- Management:
- Control underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Dietary changes (low-salt, low-protein diet).
- Medications to control symptoms and prevent progression.
- Dialysis or kidney transplant for end-stage kidney disease.
Mental Health Disorders
- Depression: Affects mood, behavior, and physical health, leading to feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest, and significant impairment in daily functioning.
- Anxiety Disorders: Includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. These are often characterized by excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating.
- Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by extreme mood swings, including manic episodes (elevated mood) and depressive episodes.
- Management:
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, or psychotherapy to address underlying emotional and behavioral factors.
- Medication: Antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, or mood stabilizers are prescribed based on the disorder.
- Lifestyle Support: Stress management, regular physical activity, and a balanced lifestyle can improve mental health.
Osteoporosis
- Risk Factors: Women are at higher risk, particularly after menopause due to the decrease in estrogen. Age, family history, smoking, and low calcium intake contribute to the risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Symptoms: Bone fractures with minimal trauma, back pain, and stooped posture.
- Management:
- Medications: Bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and hormone replacement therapy to increase bone density.
- Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, and resistance training to maintain bone strength.
- Diet: Increased intake of calcium and vitamin D to promote bone health.
Obesity
- Risk Factors: Genetic factors, poor diet, lack of physical activity, emotional factors, and certain medications can contribute to obesity.
- Complications: Obesity is linked to multiple chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and sleep apnea.
- Management:
- Dietary Interventions: Reducing calorie intake, eating balanced meals, and avoiding processed foods.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercise and strength training, to help with weight loss.
- Behavioral Therapy: Psychological counseling and support to address emotional eating and make long-term lifestyle changes.
- Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, bariatric surgery (e.g., gastric bypass) may be recommended.
Preventive Measures for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Primary Prevention:
- Healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly).
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Regular medical check-ups to monitor health metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose levels.
- Secondary Prevention:
- Early detection through screenings for conditions like cancer (e.g., mammograms), diabetes (e.g., blood glucose tests), and high blood pressure (e.g., routine BP measurements).
- Tertiary Prevention:
- Managing and controlling NCDs with medications and lifestyle modifications to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
- Rehabilitation and support for patients suffering from chronic diseases, particularly for heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
NP-NCD (National Program for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases)
- Launched in 2010
- Focus: Tackles NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes (63% of deaths in India).
- Goal: Prevent and control NCDs through:
- Infrastructure strengthening
- Health promotion
- Early diagnosis and management
- Human resource development
Implementation
- National, state, and district-level execution under NHM with financial support:
- Funding Share: 60:40 (Centre:State); 90:10 for NE and hilly states.
Key Components
- NCD Screening: Targets individuals (30+ years) for diabetes, hypertension, oral, breast, and cervical cancer.
- NCD Clinics: Establishes District/CHC NCD Clinics and Cardiac Care Units (CCUs).
- Cancer Care: Sets up Day Care Centres and strengthens tertiary cancer care.
- Training: ASHAs, ANMs, and Medical Officers trained for early detection and prevention.
- Digital Tools: Uses National NCD Portal and mobile apps for data tracking and screenings.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs):
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| Disease Type | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Prevention | Treatment/Management |
| Cardiovascular Diseases | Poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise | Chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness | Healthy diet, exercise, avoid smoking | Medications, surgery, lifestyle changes |
| Cancer | Smoking, poor diet, genetics | Weight loss, pain, lumps, cough | Avoid smoking, exercise, screenings | Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Diabetes | Obesity, poor diet, genetics | Thirst, frequent urination, fatigue | Diet, exercise, monitor blood sugar | Insulin, medications, lifestyle changes |
| Chronic Respiratory Diseases | Smoking, pollution, genetics | Cough, breathlessness, wheezing | Avoid smoking, improve air quality | Medications, oxygen therapy, rehab |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | Diabetes, hypertension, smoking | Swelling, fatigue, nausea | Control blood pressure, healthy diet | Dialysis, medications, lifestyle changes |
| Mental Health Disorders | Genetics, trauma, stress, substance use | Mood swings, sadness, fatigue | Stress management, seek professional help | Therapy, medications, lifestyle changes |
| Osteoporosis | Aging, smoking, low calcium intake | Bone pain, fractures | Exercise, calcium & vitamin D intake | Medications, supplements, physical therapy |
| Obesity | Poor diet, inactivity, genetics | Fatigue, breathlessness, body mass | Healthy diet, exercise, behavioral therapy | Diet, exercise, medications, surgery |
