Causes of Morbidity

Summary
An analysis of pediatric attendances at Dyalpur Health Centre in
Haryana, was undertaken covering a period of 15 months. It was found
that the pediatric group constituted 44.1% of the total attendances. The
ten leading causes of morbidity were upper respiratory tract infections,
gastroenteritis, superficial infections of the skin, pyrexia of unknown
origin, ulcers and injury, otitis media, anaemia, lower respiratory tract
infection, pain in the abdomen, and scabies. Morbidity was lowest
during the 1st month of life, rising thereafter until the 1st year, showing
a fall in the 1–2 year age group and subsequently a gradual rise. There
was no significant difference in the sex ratio in various diseases. The
generally recognised seasonal pattern is noted. Comparison is made
with other similar studies in rural and urban areas and the differences
discussed.

It is recommended that analysis of the out-patients’ attendance should

be undertaken in more health centres, so that the leading 10 to 12
causes are known. A plan should then be formulated to deal with these
most expeditiously and economically to save the doctor from the deluge
of curative work and leave him time to attend to the preventive aspects.
Only then can the objectives outlined by the health and planning
committees of the Government of India 1944, 1959, and 1961 be
realised.
 Ten Types of Morbidity
1. Acute Respiratory Infection
Acute respiratory infection is a serious infection that prevents normal breathing function. It usually begins
as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe), or lungs. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to
the entire respiratory system. Acute respiratory infection prevents the body from getting oxygen and can
result in death. Person suffering from this condition needs medical assistance immediately. Also, acute
respiratory infections are infectious, which means they can spread from one person to another. The
disease is quite widespread. It is particularly dangerous for children, older adults, and people with
immune system disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acute respiratory
infections kill an estimated 2.6 million children annually every year worldwide.

2. Acute Lower Respiratory Infections and Pneumonia

Acute lower respiratory infections include pneumonia (infection of the lung alveoli), as well
as infections affecting the airways such as acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, influenza and
whooping cough. They are a leading cause of illness and death in children and adults
across the world. The importance of lower respiratory infections may be underestimated.

3. Bronchitis/Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis and bronchitis are both infections of the lungs. The names may sound
similar, but they are two distinct conditions.

Bronchitis can affect people of all ages, though it’s most common in older children
and adults. It causes inflammation and swelling in the trachea and upper bronchial
tubes. Bronchitis can be both acute and chronic.

Bronchiolitis almost only affects younger children, many under the age of 2. It occurs
when there is swelling in the smallest airways in the lungs, called bronchioles,
obstructing them and making it more difficult to breathe.

Bronchiolitis in some toddlers and children is no more severe than a common cold. In
some cases it can be dangerous and require hospitalization.

4. Hypertension
(HTN or HT), also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a long-term medical condition in
which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure typically
does not cause symptoms.

5. Acute Watery Diarrhea

Most cases of acute, watery diarrhea are caused by viruses (viral gastroenteritis). The most
common ones in children are rotavirus and in adults are norovirus (this is sometimes called
“cruise ship diarrhea” due to well publicized epidemics). Bacteria are a common cause of
traveler's diarrhea.

6. Influenza
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and
lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that
cause diarrhea and vomiting. For most people, influenza resolves on its own. But sometimes,
influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu
complications include:

7. Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your
kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract —
the bladder and the urethra.

Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. Infection limited to your
bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a
UTI spreads to your kidneys.

Doctors typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. But you can take steps to
reduce your chances of getting a UTI in the first place.

8. TB Respiratory
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ... At first, a TB infection normally affects the lungs. This is called
pulmonary TB. However, TB often spreads to the lymph nodes (glands throughout your body
that are part of your immune system).

9. Injuries
Injury, also known as physical trauma, is damage to the body caused by external force. This
may be caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and other causes. Major trauma is injury that
has the potential to cause prolonged disability or death.

10. Disease of the Heart

Unlike cardiovascular disease, which describes problems with the blood
vessels and circulatory system as well as the heart, heart disease refers to
issues and deformities in the heart itself.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the
leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and
Australia. One in every four deaths in the U.S. occurs as a result of heart
disease.

Performance Task in
Health
Submitted by: PAUL HARDEE T. CRUZ
Submitted to: Ma’am ANGELICA MERCURIO PALPAL