Examples of common illnesses

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Common Illnesses: Definitions and Key Examples

Common illnesses are health conditions that frequently affect people across different age groups and populations. These illnesses are often recognized by their symptoms, causes, consequences, and typical treatments, and can be either acute or chronic in nature 34.

Examples of Common Illnesses in Children and Adults

Respiratory Illnesses

Acute respiratory illnesses are the most common type of acute illness in the United States. These are primarily caused by respiratory viruses such as influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses. These infections can occur year-round but are often more prevalent in winter. They affect all age groups and can be particularly serious for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, sometimes leading to pneumonia and even death .

Chronic Diseases in Children

Some of the most common chronic illnesses in children include asthma, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and epilepsy. Mental health conditions are also frequently observed. Proper management of these illnesses is crucial to prevent complications and long-term health issues. Access to essential medications and education for caregivers is important for effective management .

Other Frequently Diagnosed Illnesses

Other common illnesses that are easily diagnosed include strep throat and hemophilia. These conditions, along with asthma and type 1 diabetes, are generally straightforward to identify due to clear symptoms or diagnostic markers .

How People Understand and Respond to Common Illnesses

People tend to form common-sense models of illnesses based on their experiences. These models include the illness label, perceived symptoms, causes, expected duration, consequences, and possible cures. For example, many people use the "germ model" to explain why they get sick, believing that external agents like germs cause illness and that medications can cure them. However, individual experiences and beliefs about symptoms and treatment can vary widely, influencing how people seek care and manage their health 134.

Conclusion

Common illnesses include a wide range of conditions such as respiratory infections, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and mental health disorders. These illnesses are recognized by their symptoms and causes, and their management often depends on both medical treatment and personal beliefs about health. Understanding and addressing these common illnesses is essential for reducing avoidable health complications and improving overall well-being 123456.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Common-sense models of illness: the example of hypertension.

Patients' beliefs about disease threats guide their treatment behavior, with the most common model of high blood pressure being based on prior acute, symptomatic conditions.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

1985·

687citations

·D. Meyer et al.

Management of Common Illness

Effective management of chronic diseases in children requires multi-faceted approaches, including education, lifestyle changes, monitoring, and access to essential drugs.

2021·

0citations

·Mark Lee et al.

Common Sense Representations of Common Illnesses

Identify and manage symptoms, and seek medical help, are crucial aspects of the disease experience for individuals.

Highly Cited

1983·

337citations

·R. Lau et al.

Further explorations of common-sense representations of common illnesses.

People's illness cognitions, which include identity, time line, consequences, cause, and cure, are stable over time and influence their beliefs in self-control over health and doctor visits.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

1989·

229citations

·R. Lau et al.

Respiratory Viral Infections in Immunocompetent and Immunocompromised Persons

Respiratory viral infections are common in immunocompromised individuals, leading to pneumonia and death, and immune deficiencies can impact prevention and treatment options.

Highly Cited

1997·

296citations

·Robert B. Couch, MD et al.

New York Times Says Mental Illness in Youths is Shrinking: Let s discuss

Mental illness in youths is decreasing, but its diagnosis is not as straightforward as common diseases like diabetes, asthma, or strep throat.

2020·

0citations

·M. Olfson

Associations between common diseases and work ability and sick leave among health care workers

Common diseases, particularly mental disorders, are associated with lower work ability and increased sick leave among health care workers.

Observational StudyRigorous Journal

2017·

64citations

·Sophie van den Berg et al.

Sickness Symptoms in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Scoping Review

Sickness symptoms, particularly fatigue, are common in kidney transplant recipients, with interrelationships among them and a focus on quality of life.

Systematic Review

2022·

5citations

·C. Sung et al.

A Meta-Analytic Review of the Common-Sense Model of Illness Representations

The Common Sense Model of illness representations shows that perceptions of illness control and controllability positively impact psychological well-being, social functioning, and vitality, while illness consequences, timeline, and identity negatively impact these outcomes.

Meta-AnalysisHighly Cited

2003·

1644citations

·M. Hagger et al.

The common-sense model of illness representation: Theoretical and practical considerations

The common-sense model is a useful and effective approach for studying health behaviors, particularly among minorities.

Highly Cited

1996·

554citations

·M. Diefenbach et al.

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