What are acquired diseases?

"Acquired diseases" refer to medical conditions or illnesses that a person develops during their lifetime rather than being born with them. These diseases are not inherited genetically or present at birth but instead result from various factors such as infections, lifestyle choices, environmental exposure, or other external influences. Acquired diseases are typically the result of complex interactions between a person's genetic makeup, behavior, and the environment.

Examples of acquired diseases include:

Infectious Diseases: These are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Examples include the flu, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.

Chronic Diseases: Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and certain types of cancer often develop over time and are influenced by factors like diet, physical activity, and genetics.

Autoimmune Diseases: In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

Lifestyle-Related Diseases: These are often the result of choices and behaviors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. Conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be acquired due to these factors.

Environmental Diseases: Exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, or hazardous substances can lead to diseases like lead poisoning, asbestos-related illnesses, and certain occupational diseases.

Degenerative Diseases: These conditions often develop as a part of the natural aging process. Examples include osteoarthritis and Alzheimer's disease.

Nutritional Deficiency Diseases: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients can lead to conditions like scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), rickets (vitamin D deficiency), and iron-deficiency anemia.

Acquired diseases can be prevented or managed through various means, including vaccination, lifestyle modifications, medications, surgery, and environmental interventions. Public health efforts often focus on education and prevention to reduce the prevalence of acquired diseases and improve overall health and well-being.