Understanding various diseases, their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures is crucial for MPSC exams, especially for topics related to health and general science. This blog provides an in-depth look at deficiency diseases, non-contagious diseases, and other important medical conditions, helping MPSC aspirants strengthen their knowledge base.
Deficiency Diseases
Deficiency diseases occur due to a lack of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or proteins in the diet. These diseases affect the body's normal functioning and can lead to serious health problems if not treated in time.
Common Deficiency Diseases and Their Causes
Important Notes on Deficiency Diseases
- Anemia occurs due to an iron deficiency, leading to fatigue, pale skin, and dizziness.
- Goitre is caused by iodine deficiency, resulting in thyroid gland enlargement. Iodized salt and seafood are good sources of iodine.
- Rickets leads to weak bones in children due to a lack of vitamin D. Sunlight exposure and dairy products help prevent it.
- Kwashiorkor and Marasmus occur due to severe protein and calorie deficiency, mainly affecting children in underdeveloped regions.
Non-Contagious Diseases
Non-contagious diseases are not spread from person to person. They are usually caused by genetic factors, lifestyle habits, or environmental influences.
1. Cancer
- Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that can spread to other body parts.
- Symptoms: A lump, abnormal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, prolonged cough, and changes in bowel movements.
- Metastasis: The process of cancer cells spreading from their original site to other body parts.
- Oncogenes: Mutated genes responsible for cancer development.
- Treatment: Radiation therapy (Cobalt-60, Gold-198), chemotherapy, and surgery.
2. Leukemia (Blood Cancer)
- A type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, leading to the production of abnormal white blood cells.
- Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and easy bleeding.
- Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where blood sugar levels remain high due to insulin deficiency or resistance.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) – Autoimmune condition where the pancreas fails to produce insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes – Cells do not respond properly to insulin due to obesity and poor lifestyle.
- Diabetes Insipidus – A rare disorder caused by insufficient antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to excessive thirst and urination.
- World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14 every year.
- Fenugreek (Methi) and Curry Leaves are natural remedies for controlling blood sugar levels.
Other Important Diseases
4. Itai-Itai Disease
- Caused by cadmium poisoning in Japan due to industrial pollution.
- Symptoms: Severe joint and bone pain, kidney failure.
- Prevention: Strict pollution control measures.
5. Minamata Disease
- Caused by mercury poisoning in Japan due to contaminated seafood consumption.
- Symptoms: Muscle weakness, numbness, vision and speech impairment.
- Prevention: Avoiding mercury exposure.
6. Blue Baby Syndrome (Methemoglobinemia)
- Caused by nitrate contamination in drinking water.
- Leads to a lack of oxygen in the blood, turning the baby's skin blue.
- Prevention: Ensuring clean drinking water and reducing nitrate pollution.
7. Alzheimer’s Disease
- A progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting memory and cognitive function.
- Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion, difficulty in problem-solving, personality changes.
- Prevention: Healthy diet, mental exercises, and physical activity.
8. Cerebral Palsy
- A group of permanent movement disorders caused by brain damage before or after birth.
- Symptoms: Poor coordination, stiff muscles, speech and vision problems.
- Treatment: Physical therapy, speech therapy, and medication.
9. Silicosis
- A lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust from mining, construction, and glass manufacturing.
- Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, cough, lung fibrosis.
- Prevention: Using protective masks in high-risk occupations.
10. Beriberi
- A disease caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
- Types:
- Wet Beriberi – Affects the heart, leading to heart failure.
- Dry Beriberi – Affects the nervous system, causing muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Sources of Vitamin B1: Cereals, meat, milk, nuts, and legumes.
11. Goitre
An enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency.- Symptoms: Swelling in the neck, difficulty in swallowing and breathing.
- Prevention: Consuming iodized salt and seafood.
Eye Disorders
Other Important Medical Conditions
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- A test to diagnose brain activity, epilepsy, and other disorders.
- Developed by Hans Berger, a German psychiatrist.
Hysteria
- A psychological condition with symptoms like uncontrollable emotions, laughing, or weeping.
Anthophobia
- A rare phobia of flowers, causing anxiety in sufferers.
Epidemic Dropsy
- A disease caused by consuming mustard oil adulterated with Argemone mexicana seeds.
- Leads to edema (swelling), albumin loss, and circulatory problems.
Conclusion
This blog has covered important diseases, their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures, which are crucial for MPSC exams. Understanding these topics will help aspirants answer questions related to general science, health, and pollution-related diseases effectively.
To strengthen your preparation:
✅ Make notes on important diseases.
✅ Revise key facts regularly.
✅ Solve previous years’ questions related to health and science.
Stay tuned for more informative blogs for MPSC preparation! 🚀