ASTHMA
This is a chronic condition that involves the respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict, become inflamed, and are lined with excessive amount of mucus often in response to one or more triggers. These episodes may be triggered by such things as exposure to an environmental stimulant such as an allerge tobacco smoke, cold or warm, air, perfume, pet dander, moist air, exercise or exertion or emotional stress. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The airway constriction responds to bronchokidaltor. Between episodes, most patients feel well, but can have mild symptoms and they may remain short of breath after exercise for longer periods of time than the unaffected individual. The symptoms of Asthma, which can range from mild to life threatening, can usually, be controlled with a combination of drugs and environmental changes.

ALCOHOLISM
Alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes. Medical definitions however describes alcoholism as a disease which results in a  persistent use of alcoholism as a disease which results in a persistent use of alcohol despite negative consequences. Alcoholism may also refer to a preoccupation with or compulsion towards the consumption of alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption. The quantity, frequency and regularity of alcohol consumption required to develop alcoholism varies greatly from person. In addition, although the biological mechanisms underpinning alcoholism are uncertain, some risk factors, including social environment, emotional health and genetic predisposition have been identified. This condition can also lead to stroke.

STROKE
Stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurological damage, complications and death if not promptly diagnosed and treated. It is the third leading cause of death and leading cause of adult disability in most developed countries. It is the number two cause of death world-wide. Risk factors for stroke include advanced age, Hypertension (high blood pressure), previous stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), Diabetes high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, atrial fibrillation, the contraceptive pill, migraine with aura, and thrombosis,) patent foramen ovale and several rare disorders. High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of Stroke.

DEPRESSION
A major depressive episode can manifest with a variety of symptoms, but almost all who experience such an episode display a marked change in mood, a deep feeling of sadness an noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in favorite activities. The psychological or mood change symptoms may include persistent sad, anxious or empty moods, and feelings of  worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, or pessimism, a sense of restlessness or irritability and difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Physical symptoms associated with depression include increased or decreased appetite or weight; Insomnia, early morning awakening, or oversleeping; decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down” or sluggish; persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive problems, and chronic pain. Other symptoms include withdrawal from social situations, family gatherings and activities with friends; and thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide. Not all people will suffer from every symptom. The severity of symptoms will vary widely among individuals, as some have suicidal thoughts or attempts.

PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in a man’s prostate gland. The prostate sits just below the bladder. It makes part of the fluid for semen. In young men, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. It usually grow larger as you grow older. Prostate Cancer is common in men older than 65. It usually grows slowly and can take years to grow large enough to cause any problems. Most cases are treatable, because they are found with screening tests before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Most common in men, the prostate gland is a part of the body that few people know much about. Not surprisingly, lots of people think the prostate has something to do with regulating the flow of urine, because if there is a problem in the prostate, urination can become painful or difficult. The prostate is actual part of the male reproductive system. It is sometimes called the Secret Sex Gland. Although most men may die with prostate cancer, most men do not die from it.

DIABETES
Diabetes, is however, not very famous as a silent killer but this disease is rated as top killer in medical community. Before you come to know that you are suffering from diabetes, this disease can result in high blood pressure and damage the blood vessels. The symptoms of thirst, aching joints, failing eyesight and loss of balance are put down to old age or a persistent cold or a virus. It is also a disease that preys on people who are relatively affluent. So in the developing world where the increase is most dramatic, it is catching may by surprise. People suffering from Diabetes have Type II, which is linked directly to a poor diet and a lack of exercise.

HEART DISEASES
Heart Disease is the number one killer of both men and women. Heart Disease kills more women that all types of cancer combined. Overall, more women die of Heart Disease than men. On average, men get heart disease about 10 years earlier than women. Women have the hormonal protection of estrogen which is produced until menopause. After menopause, the death rare of women to heart disease is equal to men. This decreases the blood supply, reducing the heart’s ability to get oxygen and nutrients, resulting in increased heart function. If the blood supply is not restored, the heart muscle will die. It is often more difficult to identify heart disease in women. The typical symptom in men is chest discomfort, but in women, neck or abdominal discomfort may be more prevalent. Since symptoms are not as readily recognizable, women might wait longer to get help- with more serious consequences. Heart disease is a generic term for a wide variety of diseases. It is generally viral- influenza of the heart, so to speak – which can result in severe inflammation at any age, often with o symptoms. The condition can be dealy but some patients completely recover. While the symptoms are sudden, heart disease happens over years as arteries become clogged usually with fatty deposits or inflammation. Diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking high cholesterol, family history and gender are additional risk factors, The cells lining the arteries becomes damaged and additional deposits of fat and cholesterol may become calcified, eventually choking off the blood supply.

HYPERTENSION
Hypertension is the condition of having high blood pressure. While some call it big man sickness, some say it is triggered by executive stress. It is very common and affects a lot of individuals. Hypertension is an under-diagnosed condition because it causes damage to the body with no symptoms or only mild symptoms. It has been called a “Silent Killer” for this reason. The dangerous situation in this disease is that the load on the heart becomes extra. It can even damage the kidneys in some cases. The most common way to avoid this is to go for a routine blood pressure check up.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver to help meet the body’s need for hormones and bile bile. It also enters the body when high-fat foods are consumed and when the body’s cholesterol level is higher than necessary for normal cell functioning. The resulting high blood cholesterol is a condition that greatly increases your chances of developing coronary heart disease. That is because, extra cholesterol in the blood settles on the inner walls of the arteries, narrowing them, allowing less blood to pass through them to the heart. The higher the blood cholesterol level, the greater the heart diseases risk. High cholesterol is another such disease that is very dangerous.

LUNG CANCER
Cancer of the lung is mostly related to smoking or tobacco use. Because of the prevalence of these practices, lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Some of the symptoms include chronic cough, coughing up blood, or chest pain. However, patients with only persistent coughing do not always seek medical advice early enough. Even when they do, lung cancer is sometimes misdiagnosed as something less harmful, making lung cancer the 4th most claimed malpractice injury.

RECTAL CANCER
Rectal cancer is a form of colorectal cancer that affects the rectum. It is an under-diagnosed condition because it has no early symptoms. Even when symptoms occur, both the symptoms and the diagnostic tests required are considered embarrassing by many, leading to delayed diagnosis. However, early diagnosis is crucial, as colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death.

BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is the second leading malpractice-related condition, with most lawsuits arising out of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. One problem is that a mammogram may be negative, even for women with a breast lumps but a negative mammogram does not definitively rule out breast cancer. Further tests are necessary. Another problem is that women under 50 can get breast cancer, but many doctors will assume a diagnosis of breast fibrocystic disease because of their age.

MALARIA
Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. Each year, there are approximately 515 million cases of Malaria, killing between one and three million people. Although, Malaria is commonly associated with poverty, it can also affect the rich, who see themselves out of reach from the mosquitoes that bring about this illness.

PREPARED BY
Y.O.OLAJIDE (FCA, FCTI) MANAGING PARTNER
Olajide and Assoicates Nig.
www.olajideassociates.com