Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases

This lesson covers:

  1. What we mean by the term 'risk factor'
  2. Examples of the links between risk factors and diseases
  3. The wider implications of disease burdens on society 

Smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)


COPD is a lung disease characterised by irreversible lung damage and an obstructed airway. People suffering from COPD often find it very difficult to breathe.


Smoking is the primary risk factor associated with COPD and the risk increases with the duration and intensity of smoking.

COPD is actually used to refer to two different illnesses. However, people with COPD will often (but not always) have both of these diseases:

  1. Bronchitis - Inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles, leading to increased mucus production and coughing.
  2. Emphysema - damage to the alveoli walls, leading to fewer larger alveoli, instead of many smaller ones. This reduces the surface area available for gas exchange.

What do we mean by the term 'risk factor' when discussing disease?

Something that causes disease 

Something that prevents the development of a disease 

Something that increases the chance of developing a disease 

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What is a non-communicable disease?

A disease that can be spread from person to person 

A disease that cannot be spread from person to person 

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Which of the following are non-communicable diseases?

(Select all that apply)

Malaria 

Tuberculosis 

Diabetes 

Cancer

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Risk factors usually fall into one of two categories


  1. Aspects of a person's lifestyle.
  2. Substances in the person's body or environment .

Which diseases is obesity a risk factor for? 

(Select all that apply)

Heart attacks 

Diabetes 

Brain cancer 

Immunodeficiency 

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Which of the following are risk factors for lung cancer? 

Air pollution 

Smoking 

Lack of sleep

Drinking alcohol 

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diabetes / drinking / diet / exercise / smoking 


Obesity can be caused by a poor and lack of . Obesity itself can then go on to cause type II . 

diet
exercise
diabetes

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True or false? Diseases don't just affect the individual with the disease, but can also affect friends, family, and society more generally.

True

False

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What is bronchitis?

An allergic reaction

Inflammation of airways in the lungs

A type of asthma

Damage to the alveoli

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Which of the following diseases are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

(Select all that apply.)

bronchitis

diabetes

emphysema

asthma

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True or false?  In people with emphysema, the alveoli are damaged.

True

False

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