Wondering which are ten most deadly diseases in the world? The human body can be affected by numerous diseases, maladies, and illnesses. Yet, the body is equipped and prepared to overcome most sicknesses, and is undoubtedly a source of natural energy ready to recover its well-being from adverse and hard conditions.
Each organism in nature has its particularities, and altogether they compose the whole variety of species in the world. Some organisms mutate, and can eventually configure a totally new species. Yet, there is an interesting fact about natural organisms’ nature: they can be genetically modified, and scientists can create new experimental organisms from them. Taking a look at 5 Fascinating Examples Of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), we can see that these genetically modified organisms such as the Lemur Cat, the Paper Tree or the Umbuku Lizard, present fascinating formations with surprising (and sometimes scary) features.
Taking a look at the human body and the diseases that can ravage it, we can see that, even though science has advanced amazingly over different areas, such as the introduction of new strains of organisms, and even the reconstruction and production of particular human organs; it hasn’t been capable yet of curing some of the most deadly diseases in the world. In fact, in some cases, medical and scientific developments have adversely affected the human body, introducing new weaknesses, debilitating the immunological system, and even producing new viruses.
Now then, let’s take a look at the list of the ten most deadly diseases in the world today, and hope they’ll one day be a thing of the past.
No. 10 Syphilis
This disease is sexually transmitted. About 12 million people worldwide are estimated to be affected annually. Even though it can be treated and cured with an early diagnosis, once the illness is established, its symptoms include rashes and heart malfunctioning, frequently leading to death.
No. 9 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Everyone knows smoking isn’t good for your health. Among other illnesses, it can produce several respiratory system diseases and cancers, such as lungs, trachea or mouth cancer. The most terrible thing about lung cancer is that even non-smokers are at risk of contracting this cancer. Approximately 3,000 non-smoking adults are estimated to die each year from lung cancer, from just breathing smoke as passive smokers.
Both men and women are affected equally by this cancer, and it is certainly one of the deadliest diseases out there. COPD is among the most common forms of lung disease, and it not only obstructs breathing but also produces a constant cough. COPD can be chronic bronchitis or emphysema, which produces the destruction of the lungs over time.
No. 8 Perinatal Conditions
Giving birth to a child might be seen as a relatively simple and safe event in developed countries, but if certain complications come about, it can affect both the mother and the child, and this is a very real and present danger in some parts of the world still. An estimated 500,000 women die worldwide every year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, so you can see just how serious the event still is.
Heavy bleeding, hemorrhages, spontaneous abortions, eclampsia (seizures), or infections; all of these and more can lead a woman in labor to death. Most of these deaths do take place in underprivileged areas, with serious sanitary concerns. About 90 percent of maternal deaths occur in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
No. 7 Leprosy
Leprosy has been around for a long time. This is a chronic disease that deforms the surface of the skin. It can be treated and cured when discovered early within its stages of development. Yet, when Leprosy isn’t properly treated, it can be highly contagious and develop leper colonies.
No. 6 Malaria
The disease of Malaria is produced by a parasite, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. This disease is mainly found in the tropics, where the climate is warm. Malaria produces high fevers and when the parasite travels to the liver, it affects the whole immunological system, entering the bloodstream and infecting the red blood cells. Malaria is estimated to affect between 300 and 500 million people per year, of which about 1 million die.
No. 5 Tuberculosis
TB is one of the most recognized pulmonary diseases. It is highly contagious, and is produced by a bacterial infection that compromises the lungs at first, and then spreads throughout the entire system. This disease affects especially those with a suppressed immunological system. Currently, the percentage of people infected with tuberculosis in the United States is 10 cases every 100,000 people.
No. 4 HIV/AIDS
Ever since the first HIV/AIDS patients appeared in the early 1980’s, this disease hasn’t stopped killing people. Even though scientists have developed different treatments for this chronic, life-threatening condition, it is an expensive treatment, and in most cases doesn’t reach patients in time to prolong their lives. Most HIV-infected patients eventually develop AIDS, which produces a general collapse of the immune system, and leads to rapid death. AIDS has caused, since its discovery, more than 30 million deaths worldwide.
No. 3 Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Despite what many might think, lower respiratory infections are among the worst diseases the human body can suffer. Both bronchitis and pneumonia affect the respiratory system, and, though they can begin with rather harmless symptoms, such as sneezing, headaches and runny noses, this disease can develop rapidly, producing large respiratory infections, compromising the lungs, and eventually causing death. The elderly, and small children are especially vulnerable to these infections, and it can certainly be lethal.
No. 2 Cerebrovascular Disease (Strokes)
Strokes take place when the regular blood flow towards the brain is interrupted. It can be produced when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, which causes an ischemic stroke, or when it bursts open, which causes a hemorrhagic stroke. When the brain stops receiving blood for more than just a couple of seconds, brain cells die because of the lack of oxygen and blood, producing irreversible damage. Moreover, when this takes place, the whole body reacts, raising blood pressure, and producing heart strokes.
No. 1 Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease affects the heart, and takes place when the heart stops receiving the amount of blood and oxygen it needs. When the arteries that provide blood and oxygen to the heart are blocked, an ischemic heart disease takes place. It can be treated when diagnosed early, but when left untreated, it can certainly lead to heart failure and death. Approximately 1 out of every 100 people suffer ischemic heart disease.
