Patologier

Patologier are diseases or abnormal conditions that impair the structure or function of living organisms. In humans they can affect any organ system and vary in severity, progression, and reversibility. Diseases may be caused by genetic factors, infections, environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, or multifactorial combinations, and the term covers a broad range from congenital anomalies to injuries, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.

Classification commonly distinguishes infectious diseases, caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, from non-infectious diseases, which include genetic disorders, degenerative conditions, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and neoplasms. Other schemes separate acute from chronic diseases or classify by organ system (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, digestive, etc.). Some conditions are congenital; others are acquired.

Etiology and pathophysiology describe origins and mechanisms, including genetic mutations, immune dysregulation, persistent inflammation, cellular injury, and abnormal cell growth. Many diseases are multifactorial, reflecting interactions between genes and environment.

Diagnosis relies on history, examination, and tests such as laboratory analyses, imaging, and tissue pathology. Treatment aims to remove causes when possible, alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and restore function. Interventions include medications, surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancers, vaccination, antimicrobial therapy, and lifestyle or rehabilitative measures.

Epidemiology and public health study the incidence and distribution of diseases, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Effective disease control relies on surveillance, screening, vaccination, sanitation, and equitable access to care. The field of medicine that studies disease processes is pathology, which investigates mechanisms of development and progression.