What is the Difference Between Disease and Illness?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The terms "disease" and "illness" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences:
- Disease: A disease is an abnormality in the function and/or structure of body organs and systems. It is a scientific concept and can be diagnosed by a medical expert. Diseases have a specific result on a body part or function and are often identified by a pathological identification label or marker, such as diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, or lupus.
- Illness: Illness is an experience of discontinuities in states of being and perceived role performances. It is a personal experience and can vary tremendously between individuals with the same disease. Illness can be a perceived notion of unwellness or derive from self-diagnosis. It can affect the body or mind in various ways and is often manageable through alternative treatments and lifestyle changes.
In summary, a disease is a specific medical condition with identifiable symptoms and effects on the body, while an illness is a personal experience of unwellness or discomfort. Understanding the difference between disease and illness is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Disease and Illness? Comparative Table: Disease vs Illness
Comparative Table: Disease vs Illness
Here is a table distinguishing between disease and illness:
| Disease | Illness |
|---|---|
| A disease is a malfunctioning organism or function within the body itself. | Illness is a state of being unwell or unhealthy, affecting the mind or body. |
| Diseases can be diagnosed by medical experts and are often named by a pathological identification label or marker, such as diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, or lupus. | Illnesses can be a perceived notion of unwellness or derive from self-diagnosis, and they can span during a precise period of time, meaning they have a beginning and an end. |
| Disease requires a cure, such as treatment for infection, injury, toxic exposure, or cell degeneration. | Illness needs to be managed, often involving feelings of pain, discomfort, distress, weakness, or fatigue. |
While disease and illness are related, they are not the same. Disease is a specific medical condition, while illness is a state of being unwell or unhealthy. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial for receiving the appropriate care and treatment.
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- Disease vs Disorder
- Sick vs Ill
- Infection vs Disease
- Disease vs Condition
- Condition vs Disease
- Syndrome vs Disease
- Mental Illness vs Mental Disorder
- Mental Health vs Mental Illness
- Contagious Disease vs Infectious Disease
- Disorder vs Disability
- Inflammation vs Infection
- Symptom vs Syndrome
- Mental Illness vs Neurological Disorder
- Communicable vs Non-Communicable Diseases
- Disability vs Impairment
- Pandemic vs Epidemic
- Problem vs Symptom
- Medicine vs Medication
- Delusion vs Illusion