Non-communicable Diseases

Non-communicable Diseases Chronic diseased conditions which do not result from an acute infectious process and are not transmitted from one individual to another are called Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Usually, NCDs have a prolonged course and cannot resolve spontaneously. The etiology of NCDs is very complex; a combination of physiological, genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors are involved. Major NCDs are cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and arthritis. Non-communicable diseases are collectively responsible for 41 million deaths yearly, almost 71% of total deaths worldwide. Among NCD risk factors, some are modifiable risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and taking unhealthy diets. The nonmodifiable risk factors for developing NCDs are age, gender, race, and family history. The metabolic risk factors are raised blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, increased blood cholesterol, and overweight. The major approach to controlling NCDs is to focus on diminishing the risk factors associated with these diseases. Early detection, screening, and palliative care are the key responses to NCDs. Due to NCDs, increasing healthcare costs have to compromise withfamilybudgets. The irrational costs due to NCDs, including lengthy and expensive treatment and the loss of family income, force millions of people into poverty each year. [Md. Zakir Hossain Howlader]