Differences Between Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases?

Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases Explained | Causes & Prevention 

Among the various types of diseases, infectious and non-infectious are the most common. They differ significantly in treatment and care approaches. Knowing the differences will help you identify potential symptoms.

Overview of Infectious and Non-infectious Diseases

Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi primarily cause infectious diseases. However, non-infectious diseases are influenced by environmental factors and cannot spread from one person to another. They are also known as communicable and non-communicable diseases, respectively.

Infectious and Non-Infectious Disease: Key Differences

To understand their nature, we must differentiate between the key aspects of the diseases. Here is a comparison table for the same:

Types of Infectious Disease

Infectious diseases can be classified based on the pathogen that causes them. Let us discuss below:

Bacterial Infections

Single-celled microorganisms cause bacterial infections. Examples include:

• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Strep throat
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Typhoid fever

Viral Infections

Viruses, which are smaller than bacteria and spread by multiplying themselves, cause this. Examples of viral infections are:

• Influenza (flu)
• HIV/AIDS
• COVID-19
• Hepatitis B/C

Fungal Infections

Yeasts and moulds are the primary cause of fungal infections. Some examples are:

• Ringworm
• Candidiasis
• Aspergillosis

Types of Non-infectious Diseases

Non-infectious diseases are not caused by living organisms. There are several types of them. Let us discuss some of them below:

Genetic or Hereditary Diseases

Abnormalities in genes or chromosomes passed from parents to offspring cause genetic disease. For example:

• Down syndrome
• Cystic fibrosis
• Thalassaemia
• Sickle cell anaemia

Lifestyle Diseases

Unhealthy habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, or alcohol consumption can cause lifestyle-related diseases.

Examples include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Obesity

Nutritional Deficiency Diseases

Lack of essential nutrients in the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, and protein, may cause nutritional deficiency diseases. These include:

• Rickets
• Scurvy
• Anaemia
• Kwashiorkor and Marasmus

Preventing Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases

Infectious and non-infectious diseases are preventable, to a certain extent. By practising proper hygiene, you can limit your contact with bacteria and viruses. Moreover, drink clean water and cover your face when sneezing or coughing.

Non-infectious diseases are mainly caused by lifestyle choices. Therefore, ensure that you follow a proper diet enriched with essential nutrients. If you smoke, quit smoking. It is one of the leading causes of cancer in the world.

Knowing the difference between infectious and non-infectious diseases is crucial. Their differences help you understand potential symptoms and act on them.