Disease Cycle - Community Health Nursing - Principal of Epidemiology and Epidemiological Method

DISEASE CYCLE

Disease results from a complex interaction between man and an agent and the environment. The disease cycle signifies the way in which a disease evolves over time from the earliest stage of its pre-pathogenesis phase to its termination as recovery, disability or death, in the absence of treatment or prevention.

• Prodromal Symptoms.

• Mild Fever, General.

• Restlessness And Cough.

• Digestive disturbance.

• Aching, Irritability.

• Nasal Discharge, Headache.

Any disease condition which occurs has different stages through which a patient undergoes. Some of these stages are very clear and distinguishable, but some are not. This makes it difficult in a person to treat. Time intervals of these stages, too, may differ in all disease conditions.

1. Incubation Period: It is the time taken between the entry of the agent in the body and manifestations of clinical symptoms and signs erupt.

2. Prodromal Period: This is a short period of time (about 4 days) where the patient shows very vague signs and symptoms, thus making the diagnosis uncertain or not possible.

3. Fastigium: A period when the disease condition is at its height. All signs and symptoms are clear cut and diagnosing the condition is possible.

4. Defervescence: It is a period whereby the patient starts showing signs of improvement which is a sign to show that, the body's resistance power has built up and are responding to the treatment given.

5. Convalescence: A recovery period. Patient shows positive signs of improvement.

6. Detection: This shows that the patient has fully and completely recovered from his illness. Clinical presentation of various diseases vary from mild to severe and can even lead to death. It also differs from individual to individual and also can depend upon three factors-agent, host and environment.