Diseases & Nutrition
Complete SSC GD Syllabus Coverage
1. What Is Disease?
A disease is any condition that disturbs the normal functioning of the body.
Communicable Diseases
Spread from person to person
Non-communicable Diseases
Do not spread
2. Communicable Diseases
Caused by microorganisms (pathogens).
Main types of pathogens:
Viruses
Bacteria
Protozoa
Fungi
Worms
3. Viral Diseases
Caused by viruses.
Examples:
- Common cold
- Influenza (flu)
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Polio
- Dengue
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis A, B, C
Key Points:
- Viruses are smallest pathogens
- Antibiotics do not work on viruses
4. Bacterial Diseases
Examples:
- Cholera
- Typhoid
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Pneumonia
- Tetanus
- Leprosy
Key Points:
- Treated using antibiotics
- Bacteria are larger than viruses
5. Protozoan Diseases
Caused by single-celled organisms.
Malaria
Caused by Plasmodium
Spread by female Anopheles mosquito
Other Examples:
- Kala-azar – Leishmania
- Amoebiasis – Entamoeba histolytica
6. Fungal Diseases
Examples:
Ringworm
Athlete's foot
Skin infections
7. Worm-Related Diseases
Examples:
- Tapeworm infection
- Roundworm infection
- Filariasis – elephantiasis
- Spread by Culex mosquito
8. Non-Communicable Diseases
These do not spread by contact.
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart attack
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Arthritis
9. Deficiency Diseases (Due to Lack of Nutrients)
Deficiency of vitamins and minerals leads to specific diseases.
| Nutrient | Deficiency Disease |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Night blindness |
| Vitamin B1 | Beri-Beri |
| Vitamin B12 | Anemia |
| Vitamin C | Scurvy |
| Vitamin D | Rickets |
| Vitamin K | Bleeding disorders |
| Iron | Anemia |
| Iodine | Goiter |
| Calcium | Weak bones, muscle cramps |
10. Nutrition Basics
Nutrients are substances needed by the body for growth and energy.
Types of Nutrients:
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
Water & Fibers
11. Carbohydrates
Main source of energy.
Examples:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Potatoes
- Sugar
12. Proteins
Body-building food.
Examples:
- Pulses
- Eggs
- Milk
- Fish
- Meat
Protein deficiency:
- Kwashiorkor
- Marasmus (in children)
13. Fats
Provide stored energy.
Examples:
- Ghee
- Oil
- Butter
- Nuts
14. Vitamins
Required in small amounts. Prevent deficiency diseases.
Fat-soluble:
A, D, E, K
Water-soluble:
B, C
15. Minerals
Important minerals:
Iron
Calcium
Potassium
Iodine
Zinc
Sodium
16. Balanced Diet
A diet containing all nutrients in correct proportion.
Important for growth, immunity, and health.
17. Immunity
Immunity is the ability of the body to fight diseases.
Natural Immunity
Present from birth
Acquired Immunity
Developed after vaccination or infection
18. Vaccination
Vaccines help the body develop immunity.
- Polio vaccine
- BCG (for TB)
- MMR (measles)
- Hepatitis vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccines
19. First Aid Basics
Fractures
Immobilize the limb
Burns
Wash with cold water
Snakebite
Keep patient still
Bleeding
Apply pressure
20. Common Health Terms
- Pathogen: Disease-causing organism
- Antibiotic: Medicine for bacterial diseases
- Antiseptic: Prevents infection
- Analgesic: Pain reliever
- Antipyretic: Reduces fever
21. Human Blood Groups
A, B, AB, O
Positive and negative (Rh factor)
O negative
Universal donor
AB positive
Universal recipient
22. Important Diseases and Their Causes (SSC GD Focus)
| Disease | Cause |
|---|---|
| Malaria | Protozoa (Plasmodium) |
| Dengue | Virus (Aedes mosquito) |
| Tuberculosis | Bacteria |
| Pneumonia | Bacteria |
| Cholera | Bacteria |
| Polio | Virus |
| Measles | Virus |
| Cancer | Uncontrolled cell growth |
| Goiter | Iodine deficiency |
| Rickets | Vitamin D deficiency |
23. Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes
Female Anopheles
Malaria
Aedes
Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika
Culex
Filariasis
24. Water-Borne Diseases
- Typhoid
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A
- Dysentery
25. Air-Borne Diseases
- Common cold
- TB
- Measles
- Influenza
26. Lifestyle Diseases
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
Caused by unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, stress.
27. Food Preservation Methods
Refrigeration
Dehydration
Canning
Pasteurization
Salting
Pickling
28. Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Malaria | Protozoa |
| Dengue | Virus |
| TB | Bacteria |
| Ringworm | Fungi |
| Night blindness | Vitamin A deficiency |
| Scurvy | Vitamin C deficiency |
| Rickets | Vitamin D deficiency |
| Goiter | Iodine deficiency |
| Kwashiorkor | Protein deficiency |
| Balanced diet | Contains all nutrients |
| Vaccine | Gives immunity |
| Bacteria treated with | Antibiotics |
29. Memory Tricks for SSC GD
Vitamin Associations:
- Vitamin A = Eyes
- Vitamin C = Cuts and wounds
- Vitamin D = Bones
- Vitamin K = Clotting
Blood Groups:
- O negative = Donor
- AB positive = Receiver
Disease Mnemonics:
- Malaria: M → Mosquito (Anopheles)
- Dengue: D → Day-biting Aedes mosquito
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