It may seem like a simple task to talk about the most common diseases among Brazilians – but it is not, for several reasons. First, there is no national or global tracking system to enumerate the occurrence of most diseases.
Other important problems include the lack of uniformity in disease definitions, the variability of a area to another and the difficulty in recording conditions that often do not require medical care professionals.
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However, certain diseases occur very frequently among Brazilians. Some of these diseases are relatively simple, while others are chronic or life-threatening.
1. Diseases of the Respiratory System
The respiratory system is vulnerable to a variety of illnesses. Upper respiratory infections – including colds, strep throat and influenza – are generally considered to be the most common illnesses worldwide. This is no different in Brazil. Despite the availability of protective vaccines, pneumonia also remains a prevalent disease among Brazilians and a leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths.
2. Hypertension
According to a report by the Ministry of Health, hypertension affects approximately 21.4% of the population. Arterial hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease among the inhabitants of our country. High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms. Long-term high blood pressure, however, is an important risk factor for more serious cardiovascular disease.
3. back pain
Various diseases can cause joint pain, inflammation and possibly their early destruction. Back pain is very common, with around nine out of ten adults experiencing it at some point in their lives, and five out of ten adults living with it every year.
4. Skin diseases
It might surprise you that skin disorders are among the most common ailments. Non-cancerous, pre-cancerous and cancerous skin tumors also affect many Brazilians. Other common skin conditions include: Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, Warts, cold sores, genital herpes, Athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal infections, boils, cellulitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea.
5. Mental Illnesses and Developmental Disorders
Mental illnesses occur much more frequently than many people realize. Anxiety disorders occur most consistently, followed by personality and mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common developmental disorder.
6. Diseases of the Digestive System
These illnesses, commonly known as gastroenteritis, are typically caused by contamination of food with viruses, bacteria or parasites and usually disappear within a few days and weeks. More persistent and common diseases of the digestive system include: – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Gallstones, Ulcers, among others.
7. Diseases of the Neurological System
Headache disorders are the most common of the neurological disorders, with migraine headaches leading the pack. Although rare in young adults, Alzheimer's disease affects 1 in 9 seniors age 65 and older, according to a 2016 report by the Alzheimer's Association.
8. Diseases of the Urinary and Reproductive Systems
Urinary and reproductive system infections affect millions of Brazilians annually. Urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases are also common. Vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis occur even more frequently. With regard to common long-term conditions, chronic kidney disease can be mentioned.
9. Endocrine Diseases
Diabetes mellitus and Pre-diabetes are the most common endocrine or hormonal diseases in Brazil. This disease causes problems in the production of insulin and can lead to several serious side effects, deteriorating the health of the bearer.
10. Cholesterol
Bad cholesterol (LDL) can cause a lot of damage to a person's body. By causing obstruction of arteries, the heart ends up making an extra effort to work. This can end up generating serious consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias and heart attack.
The most common illnesses usually require the most attention and health resources. However, many important and serious illnesses do not necessarily qualify under the “most common” category – such as HIV, cancer and chronic viral hepatitis.
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