Disease – Meaning, Signs and Symptoms Basic 6 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note

LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Discuss concept of disease
2. Identify between signs and symptoms of diseases
3. Compare between sickness and illness

CONCEPT OF DISEASE

Definition: Disease is an abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism. It is a disorder of the body or mind that leads to poor health.

Characteristics of Disease:

• Causes discomfort or pain
• Affects normal body functions
• Has identifiable causes
• Can be diagnosed
• May

require treatment

• Can be prevented or managed

TYPES OF DISEASES

1. Infectious Diseases:

• Caused by pathogens (germs)
• Can spread from person to person
• Examples: Malaria, measles, cholera

2. Non-infectious Diseases:

• Not caused by pathogens
• Cannot spread from person to person
• Examples: Diabetes, asthma, cancer

SIGNS OF DISEASES

Definition: Signs are objective evidence of disease that can be observed or measured by others (doctors, nurses, family members). Signs can be seen, felt, heard, or measured.

Examples of Signs:

1. Fever:
   1. High body temperature
   2. Can be measured with thermometer
   3. Temperature above 37.5°C (99.5°F)
2. Rash:
   1. Visible skin changes
   2. Red spots, bumps, or patches
   3. Can be seen on body
3. Swelling:
   1. Enlarged body part
   2. Puffy appearance
   3. Can be seen and felt
4. Paleness:
   1. Loss of normal skin color
   2. Looks pale or white
   3. Visible to others
5. Rapid Breathing:
   1. Fast breathing rate
   2. Can be counted and observed
   3. Visible chest movement
6. Bleeding:
   1. Blood coming from body
   2. Visible discharge
   3. Can be seen
7. Vomiting:
   1. Forceful emptying of stomach
   2. Others can see it happen
   3. Observable action
8. Diarrhea:
   1. Frequent loose stools
   2. Can be observed
   3. Measurable frequency
9. Yellow Eyes (Jaundice):
   1. Yellowing of eyes and skin
   2. Visible color change
   3. Indicates liver problems
10. Abnormal Heart Rate:
    1. Too fast or too slow
    2. Can be measured
    3. Detected by pulse or equipment

SYMPTOMS OF DISEASES

Definition: Symptoms are subjective feelings experienced by the patient that only they can describe. Symptoms cannot be directly observed by others – only the patient knows and can report them.

Examples of Symptoms:

1. Pain:

Headache

Stomach ache

Body pain

Chest pain

Joint pain

Only patient feels it

1. Dizziness:

Feeling unsteady

Room spinning sensation

Only patient experiences it

1. Nausea:

Feeling like vomiting

Upset stomach feeling

Patient must describe it

1. Fatigue (Tiredness):

Feeling very tired

Lack of energy

Weakness

Subjective experience

1. Itching:

Urge to scratch

Uncomfortable skin sensation

Patient feels it

1. Blurred Vision:

Cannot see clearly

Vision problems

Patient experiences it

1. Loss of Appetite:

Don’t feel like eating

No hunger

Patient reports it

1. Thirst:

Dry mouth feeling

Need for water

Subjective sensation

1. Anxiety:

Feeling worried or scared

Nervousness

Internal feeling

1. Numbness:

Loss of feeling in body part

Tingling sensation

Patient describes it

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Example:

• Sign: Doctor sees patient has red rash (visible)
• Symptom: Patient says “My skin itches” (felt)

SICKNESS VS ILLNESS

SICKNESS:

Definition: Sickness is a state of being unwell that affects daily functioning. It refers to the social role of being sick – how society views and treats someone who is unwell.

Characteristics:

• Short-term or temporary
• May or may not be serious
• Recognized by society
• May require rest from school/work
• Examples: Common cold, flu, stomach upset

ILLNESS:

Definition: Illness is the subjective experience of feeling unwell. It’s how the person perceives and experiences their condition, including emotional and psychological aspects.

Characteristics:

• Personal experience
• Includes feelings about being sick
• May be long-term
• Affects quality of life
• Can be chronic
• Examples: Living with diabetes, chronic pain

COMPARING SICKNESS AND ILLNESS

Simple Explanation:

• Sickness: When you’re too unwell to go to school today
• Illness: When you have a long-term condition you manage daily

RECOGNIZING WHEN SOMEONE IS SICK

Common Indicators:

1. Behavioral Changes:
   1. Not eating normally
   2. Sleeping too much or too little
   3. Not playing or being active
   4. Crying more than usual
   5. Irritable or moody
2. Physical Signs:
   1. Hot forehead (fever)
   2. Pale or flushed face
   3. Red eyes
   4. Runny nose
   5. Coughing
3. Complaints:
   1. “I don’t feel well”
   2. “My head/stomach hurts”
   3. “I’m tired”
   4. “I feel hot/cold”

WHAT TO DO WHEN SICK

At Home:

1. Tell a parent or guardian immediately
2. Rest in bed
3. Drink plenty of fluids (water, soup)
4. Take medicine as prescribed
5. Stay away from others to avoid spreading

At School:

1. Tell your teacher immediately
2. Go to school clinic
3. Contact parents
4. Rest until picked up
5. Don’t try to continue classes

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION

Why It Matters:

• Early treatment is more effective
• Prevents disease from getting worse
• Reduces suffering
• Prevents spread to others
• Better recovery outcomes
• Less expensive to treat early

Regular Health Checks:

• Visit doctor for check-ups
• Monitor your health
• Report any unusual signs or symptoms
• Don’t ignore warning signs

EVALUATION

1. What is disease?
2. What is the difference between signs and symptoms?
3. Give three examples of signs of disease
4. Give three examples of symptoms of disease
5. Explain the difference between sickness and illness

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Signs of disease are ________

1. a) Only felt by patient
2. b) Observable by others
3. c) Not real
4. d) Always painful

1. Which is a symptom?

1. a) Fever (measured)
2. b) Rash (visible)
3. c) Headache (felt)
4. d) Swelling (seen)

1. Symptoms are ________

1. a) Objective
2. b) Subjective
3. c) Always visible
4. d) Measured

1. Which is a sign?

1. a) Pain
2. b) Dizziness
3. c) High temperature
4. d) Nausea

1. Sickness is generally ________

1. a) Long-term only
2. b) Short-term
3. c) Never serious
4. d) Always chronic