What is a disease?

A disease is a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested distinguishing signs or symptoms. There is a big difference between an infectious disease and noninfectious disease. First things first, noninfectious diseases aren't contagious. Contagious means that it can be spread, so a noncontagious diseases, such as asthma or diabetes, can not be spread. Infectious diseases on the other hand, are contagious (can spread). Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens. Pathogens can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protists. Examples of infectious diseases are your common cold or the flu. Infectious diseases are commonly spread by coughing and sneezing.

The Immune System

The immune system protects your body from infections and illnesses. The main structures are your lymph nodes, bone marrow, your spleen, and your thymus. They try to destroy anything unfamiliar in your body. There are different structures in your immune system that help keep you healthy. One of the many ways of keeping your immune system healthy is by eating right. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help keep your body from getting sick. There are other ways such as exercising, getting enough sleep, and keeping your body clean.

Asthma

Asthma is a noninfectious disease that effects the Respiratory System. With asthma, your bronchi start to narrow and swell and you produce more mucous. It can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath. Symptoms for asthma are wheezing, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, chest tightness/pain, and whistling or wheezing when breathing out. You can treat asthma by recognizing what triggers your asthma, keeping track of your breathing to make sure that the asthma medicine is keeping your symptoms under control (if you take asthma medicine), and in the case of an asthma flare-up, take a breath/puff from an inhaler.