The Deadliest Diseases in 2023

The top death causes worldwide in terms of the total number of lives lost are not what your mind would jump to. Most people would think these are the fast-acting, non-treatable ones that you see on the headlines from time to time. The deadliest diseases, however, do not rank in the top 10 global death causes.

Over 55 million people passed away worldwide in 2018; over 70% of these deaths were chronic illnesses that develop slowly or non-communicable diseases. What is most surprising thing is that some of these deadliest diseases are somehow preventable. The only non-preventable factors include healthcare quality, where a person lives, and access to preventive care. However, steps that people can take to lower their risk do exist.

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This is a progressive lung disease over the long term that causes breathing difficulty. Some examples of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Bronchitis leads to inflammation and narrowing of bronchial tubes, which causes mucus build-up, while emphysema destroys air sacs in your lungs, slowly interfering with outward airflow. An estimate shows that about 31 million people have COPD and are aware, but as many as half do not have an idea they have it. If left untreated, COPD causes a rapid progression of heart problems, illnesses, and respiratory infections becoming worse.

Risk factors for COPD include:

• Lung irritants, e.g., chemical fumes.
• Smoking or secondhand fumes
• Deficiency gene being linked to COPD
• Family history with the alpha-1 antitrypsin
• Any history of respiratory infections as a child.

There is no known cure for COPD, but it can be slowed down from progressing.

2. Ischemic Heart Disease ( Coronary Artery Disease)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the deadliest illness. It occurs from narrowing blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. The moment your heart doesn’t get enough arterial blood, you might experience various symptoms. The most common symptom of CAD is Angina ( chest discomfort). However, you may experience more symptoms when your blood flow becomes much more restricted. If a blockage cuts off blood flow completely, your heart muscle will start to die if not restored. This is basically what they call a heart attack.

Risk Factors For CAD

• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Family history of CAD
• Obesity

You can control CAD by taking certain medications and taking the necessary steps to improve your heart health, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking.

3. Respiratory (Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung) Cancers

The main causes of respiratory cancers are smoking, environmental toxins, and secondhand smoke. Another secondary cause is household pollution, e.g., mold and fuels. A study conducted in 2015 reported that about 17 million new cases of lung cancer are reported annually. Furthermore, in developing countries, a project by researchers shows an 80% increase in respiratory cancers caused by smoking and pollution.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Lung, trachea, and bronchus cancers can affect just about anyone, but they have been reported to have affected those who have a history of tobacco use and smoking. Apart from avoiding tobacco products and poisonous fumes, there is nothing else known that can be done to prevent respiratory cancers. Early detection and regular lung scans can result in an improved outlook and effective treatment.

4. Stroke

When an artery in your brain leaks or gets blocked, that is when a stroke occurs. This leads to the oxygen-deprived brain cells to start dying in a span of minutes. You will feel confusion and sudden numbness or have trouble seeing and working when a stroke happens. A stroke can lead to long-term disability when left untreated. As a matter of fact, strokes are the leading cause of long-term disabilities in most people.

However, when a person receives treatment not longer than 3 hours after having a stroke, they are less like to have any disability. Reports from a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about 90% of people had an idea that sudden numbness on one side was a sign of stroke. However, just about 30% knew all the signs that would make them look for emergency care immediately.

Risk Factors and Prevention

• Family history of stroke
• Smoking especially combined with oral contraceptives
• High blood pressure
• Being female
• Being African American

Some risk factors of strokes can be lowered with medication, lifestyle changes, and preventive care. Basically, good health habits can reduce your risk. Stroke prevention measures also include using proper medication to manage your high blood pressure. Lead and maintain a healthy lifestyle, have a balanced diet that’s low in sodium and complete with regular exercises, and avoid smoking.

5. Diabetes Mellitus

This is a name for a group of illnesses that lead to elevated glucose (blood sugar) levels in the body. Glucose is a vital source of energy for the muscles, tissues, and brain. The minute consumes carbohydrates; the body breaks them down into glucose. This prompts the pancreas to release the hormone called insulin, which is the key to allowing glucose to enter body cells from the blood.

When your body does not produce enough insulin to properly manage the glucose, it won’t function properly and thus will lead to diabetes symptoms. If it’s not well managed, it will cause serious complications by destroying blood vessels and organs and hence increase the risk of kidney disease, stroke, heart damage, and nerve damage.

6. Alzheimer’s Disease

According to research cases, this is the most common type of dementia and accounts for close to 70% of cases. It begins by causing difficulty in recalling information, slips in recollection, and mild memory problems. However, as it progresses over time, you might not have a memory of large periods of time.

Risk Factors and Prevention

• Genetics
• Being older than 65
• Previous head trauma
• Unhealthy lifestyle

There’s no known way to prevent Alzheimer’s, and doctors have no explanation for why it affects others, and others don’t develop it.

Summary

There are so many diseases that affect people causing global death. All diseases should be taken seriously, as none is better than the other. The above list is just some of the known deadly diseases.