Common Diseases in India

These diseases are expensive to treat. And even if we keep aside the financial part, these ailments can affect the productivity of an individual a great deal. So, at times, paying for the treatment costs becomes unbearable with the right kind of financial support. Hence, a health insurance policy is prudent.

Getting back to the list of major diseases in India, let’s dig deep into the same –

• Stroke

A stroke occurs due to a blockage in the artery of the brain or any kind of leakage from the same. Confusion, numbness, and senselessness are the common symptoms of a stroke. It can also lead to severe weakness and vision loss for the patients.

The causes of stroke are mostly diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, brain haemorrhage, genetic disorders, smoking, and so on. Following a strict diet is essential to avoid stroke. Regular intake of yoghurt, milk, and a fibre-rich diet is often prescribed by professionals. It is one of the common top 10 diseases in India.

• Cardiovascular Ailments

These are a range of health conditions that can affect a person’s heart. Also, cardiovascular illnesses are the most common causes that lead to death in the country. Lifestyle changes, and socio-economic factors, have all led to the extreme rise of such diseases in the country.

Pain or numbness in the feet and arms, chest pain, breathlessness, chest discomfort, and pain in your throat, jaw, neck and back are some of the common symptoms. The causes for CVD are mainly tobacco intake, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, poor diet, high cholesterol and BP, family history, etc.
Being physically fit and active, following a proper diet and sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and keeping a check on weight are some of the preventive measures. Unfortunately, it is considered one of the most common ailments on the list of diseases in India.

• Respiratory Ailments

Respiratory infections include lung abscess, pneumonia, and acute bronchitis. And these ailments are some of the biggest reasons behind deaths in the country. In addition, respiratory issues can be caused due to excess exposure to smoke, low immunity, air pollution, dust pollution, and so on.

Some of the common symptoms are runny nose, fever, nasal congestion, cough, breathlessness, weakness, etc. Exercising regularly, keeping a tab on your diet, wearing a surgical mask while going out, and staying active, can help you stay away from such ailments. But unfortunately, it is one of the most common top 10 diseases in India.

• TB (Tuberculosis)

TB is an infectious ailment that usually affects the lungs of the patient. However, it may also affect other body parts like ears, throat, and so on. The only good news about TB is that, unlike in past years, it is now 100% curable and also preventable.

Fatigue, coughing blood, chills, fever, appetite loss, and sudden weight loss are some of the common symptoms of Tuberculosis. A weak immune system and coming in contact with another TB patient are the usual causes of TB. It can be prevented by avoiding coming in contact with other TB patients. It surely deserves a place on the list of diseases in India.

• Diabetes

Diabetes, or blood sugar as commonly pronounced in the country, affects insulin secretion and its usage in the body. There are two types of Diabetes-Type 1, where the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, and Type 2, where the insulin isn’t produced or used properly in the body. Diabetes is a life-threatening health condition, and it is one of the most common diseases in India.

Unexplained weight loss, hunger, fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination are some of the common symptoms of diabetes. Causes of diabetes could be obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, an unhealthy diet, etc. Exercising regularly, following a strict diet, avoiding smoking, etc., can help you stay away from this illness.

• COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is not only a common ailment in the country but is also a fatal one. It is a disease of the lungs that stays for the long-term. Therefore, it can lead to difficulty in breathing in the patients. COPD is, however, responsible for taking the lives of several people around the world throughout the year.

Lack of energy, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and breathlessness are a few common symptoms of COPD. Active or passive smoking, family history, and air pollution are some of the common causes of COPD. A good diet plays a huge role in keeping off this disease. Unfortunately, it is one of the most common diseases in India.

• Alzheimer’s and Dementia

With Alzheimer’s and dementia, a patient can experience a total loss of memory as well as death in certain cases. This disease can destroy memory and can also interrupt regular human activities like thinking, reasoning, and so on.

Difficulty in taking up normal chores, misplacing things, forgetting important dates, inability to take care of your budget, etc., are some of the common symptoms. Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures for this disease as such. However, controlling cardiovascular risk factors, having healthy meals, and avoiding fatty foods, may help in keeping this disease off. These are some of the major diseases in India.

• Malignant Tumours

Malignant tumours are the cancerous ones, and these develop when cells in the body start to grow without any control. Malignant tumours can grow anywhere and can be deadly if not treated in time. Usually, tests like MRI are done to detect the tumour in a patient’s body.

There are no possible symptoms of this disease. However, patients can experience a painless lump. Causes of these tumours could be pathogens, exposure to toxic compounds, radiation, and genetics. However, leading a healthy lifestyle, quitting tobacco and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy body weight, can negate the formation of such tumours. It is one of the common diseases in India, but you should know about this.

• Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is an ailment when a person passes three or more loose stools during a single day. This disease can reduce the proportion of salt and water in the body, thereby making it weak. Prolonged diarrhoea may even cause death if not treated on time.

Loose stool, mucus on the stool, nausea, and abdominal pain are some of the common causes of this disease. Washing hands regularly, following proper sanitisation, and eating a healthy diet are some of the ways by which you can avoid diarrhoea. Unfortunately, it is one of the most common diseases in India.

• Malaria

Malaria is a fatal illness, and it is caused by the Plasmodium parasite transmission by mosquitoes. In rural India, Malaria is quite common. And mostly, it affects people living in tropical and subtropical places as it is where the parasite lives.

Nausea, fever, muscle pain, headache, and diarrhoea are some of the common symptoms of malaria. Staying in a well-lit place, avoiding stagnant water near your home, wearing full-sleeve clothes, and sleeping under mosquito nets can help you stay away from this disease.

Now that you are aware of the 10 most common diseases in India, you should think about opting for a health insurance policy. With Tata AIG, you can purchase a health plan sitting at home or office. It is essential to compare different plans, choose the right riders for your policy, and then get the policy online with ease.