As a matter of fact, these chronic conditions do not result from an acute infectious process therefore, an achievement of a complete cure is rare.

Non-Communicable  diseases usually develop over relatively long periods without initially causing symptoms.

After disease manifestation develop, there may be a protracted period of impaired health.

Some have an infectious component in their cause, to some extent e.g. cancer of cervix (HPV), liver cancer (HepBV), Kaposis Sarcoma (HIV/AIDS), Burkitts Lymphoma (EBV), bladder cancer (Schistosomiasis) and many more.

Cancer patient

Generally, these conditions or diseases are because of a prolonged exposure to causative agents. Hereby, personal behaviours and environmental factors are what many are associated with.

These conditions include injuries, that are having an acute onset but prolonged convalescence and impaired function may be following as well as chronic mental diseases.

They can cause death, dysfunction or impairment in the quality of life.

Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of functionary impairment and death worldwide.

These conditions have been the leading cause of death in high income countries over the last 60 years.

They are emerging as a leading cause of death in low to middle income countries.

Motor control dysfunction

Characteristics of Chronic Diseases (NCDs)

• Uncertain etiology.
• Multiple risk factors.
• Long latency period.
• Indefinite onset.
• Prolonged course of illness.
• Non contagious origin.
• Functional impairment or disability.
• Incurability.

What are Risk Factors?

Actually, these are factors whose presence is associated with an increase probability of a disease developing later in life.

They are divided into two types:

1. Modifiable risk factors.
2. Non-Modifiable risk factors.

Prominent NCDs

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
• Cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Diabetes
• Injuries

Their Risk Factors:

The common, major risk factors for chronic diseases are the same for men and women in all regions.

Lifestyle factors

• Unhealthy diet.
• Physical inactivity.
• Tobacco and Alcohol use.

Smoking causes cancer

Other risks include:

• High blood pressure.
• Raised glucose concentrations in blood, abnormal concentrations of lipids in blood.
• Overweight.
• Consequences of harmful use of alcohol.

Reasons For Steady Increase in Chronic Diseases (NCDs).

Currently, trends of chronic diseases (NCDs) are on rise all over the world due to:

-The development of better techniques for case-finding.

-Better control of communicable diseases worldwide.

-Now, populations are showing a marked demographic aging (more people live longer). Therefore, this means they have a greater risk of developing chronic diseases.

-Changes in the environment that lead to exposure to risk factors such as occupational exposure, air pollution and many more.

-Changes in the lifestyle (bad food habits, stress, sedentary lifestyle,)