Question

Make a list of at least 10 reasons why do we fall ill?

Answer 1

Hint: Our body performs several metabolic activities at the expense of energy that is produced by cellular respiration. An equilibrium condition is maintained in our body and when this equilibrium is disrupted, we get sick.

Complete answer: Our body is not able to perform its normal metabolic activities in disease conditions. Our body can prevent diseases with the help of our immune system. Diseases are caused by several reasons and we should take precautions against them for healthy living.
1. Major causes of diseases are disease-causing microorganisms present in our environment. Several bacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc can cause diseases and these are commonly called pathogens. Keep in mind that although these organisms cause several diseases, not all of them are responsible for the same. Several microbes are useful for us.
2. Diseases are prevented effectively by the immune system of our body. When our immune system is not able to function properly, we get sick. This is the reason for frequent infections seen in diseases like AIDS, hepatitis, etc.
3. Diseases are also caused by exposure to certain chemicals and radiation.
4. Living in unhygienic conditions increases the risk of getting affected by diseases.
5. Accidents or trauma that happens to our body can also prevent the normal functioning of our body and cause diseases.
6. We use several medications to get rid of diseases. Alterations in dosages of these medicines can create further problems.
7. Self-treatment is a harmful behaviour seen in people because it may pave the way to new diseases.
8. Some diseases get transmitted from parents to children. These are called genetic diseases.
9. People working in a certain environment like the asbestos industry may develop certain diseases. These are called occupational diseases.
10. Diseases are also caused by being exposed to certain harmful radiations like UV rays.

Note: We have developed several vaccines in-order to prevent diseases. Vaccines contain chemicals that are similar to the chemical structure of antigens that are present in microbes. The disease-causing property of these substances will be altered and they are given in small amounts through vaccines to our body. Our body can identify these antigens and prepare antibodies to that particular disease so that we can prevent the disease effectively in subsequent infections.