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Pathogenesis may occur as a result of a variety of factors and abnormalities which may either be internally initiated or developing from external factors.

Processes giving rise to disease may be one or more of a multiple origins. In this article, we are considering six (6) of the most common processes that can cause disease.

Inflammation

The most common cause of disease. This group consists of diseases resulting from tissue response to any kind of tissue damage either from trauma or from infection. They are identified by the suffix –itis. Arthritis, appendicitis, nephritis, etc.

Abnormal immune mechanisms

The immune system is the body’s defense system against all forms of foreign material, internal cells that get damaged or otherwise and ensure a safe homeostatic and healthy environment. However, sometimes they can malfunction. Diseases in this category occur from an abnormal response of the normally protective immune system leading undesirable effects that affect the overall health of the individual. They are also known as autoimmune disorders. Eg. Autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, etc.

Tumours

Tumors basically occur as a result of uncontrolled production and proliferation of abnormal cells, eventually colonizing a locality and in some cases spreading to other areas in the body (metastasis). It can either be cancer or benign. It is identified by the suffix, -oma. Eg. Carcinoma, meningioma, adenoma, etc.

Thrombosis, embolism and infarction

These result from abnormal changes in the blood or blood vessel wall. Blood clots, bubbles or plague cam build up or occlude the walls restricting blood flow. In infarction, the impeded blood flow gradually results in injury or death to the tissues being supplied by the embolic or thrombotic vessel. Eg. Myocardial infarction, thrombotic stroke, coronary artery disease, etc.

Degeneration

This is often associated with normal ageing process but may also be triggered prematurely by other factors. As the human body is used over long periods of time, systems get weaker, cells lose their elasticity, flexibility and ability to be regenerated over time. Deterioration of once healthy structures occur and the normal functioning is impaired. Examples include age related hearing loss, blindness, coronary artery diseases, bone and structural atrophy, etc.

Genetic abnormalities

Mutations that occur in the genetic material of an individual give rise to a whole lot of diseases and abnormalities. These disorders result from abnormal alterations of a persons DNA and other genetic material. They may be inherited or caused by environmental factors and incurable or treatable.

Genetic abnormalities affect a person’s normal functioning and physiological being. Examples include, Hemophilia disease, down syndrome, sickle cell disease, etc.