malattia

Malattia is the Italian term for a disease or medical condition. It refers to any abnormal state that affects the structure or function of the body or mind and that is not solely due to a temporary external condition. Diseases may be acute, lasting short periods, or chronic, persisting for months or years, and they may have identifiable causes or be multifactorial.

Causes and categories: Infectious diseases result from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Non-infectious diseases include genetic or hereditary disorders, autoimmune diseases, metabolic and endocrine disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and degenerative or neoplastic conditions. Environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and age influence risk. Some conditions are multifactorial.

Clinical features and diagnosis: Symptoms vary widely; fever, pain, fatigue, or organ-specific signs may occur. Diagnosis relies on patient history, physical examination, and investigations — laboratory tests, imaging, and sometimes genetic or microbiological assays. Classification may be according to organ system, etiology, or disease course.

Treatment and prognosis: Management aims to relieve symptoms, treat underlying causes, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Approaches include medications, surgery, lifestyle changes, vaccination, or supportive care. Prognosis depends on the disease type, stage, response to treatment, and comorbidities.

In Italian usage and medical context: The term appears in clinical notes, research, and public health. In English, the equivalents are disease or illness; malattia is translated accordingly. The term encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions and is used in both formal and informal medical discourse.