Disease and illness both refer to conditions that affect the normal functioning of the body or mind, but they carry slightly different meanings.
A disease is typically defined as a pathological condition of a bodily part, an organ, or system resulting from various causes, including infection, genetic defects, or environmental factors, and is characterized by an identifiable group of signs and symptoms. Diseases are often recognizable and classified in medical terms, sometimes with clear diagnostic criteria.
Illness, on the other hand, is more subjective and refers to the individual’s personal experience of the disease or health condition. It encompasses how a person perceives, manages, and reacts to their health status, including physical, emotional, and social aspects. While a disease may not always manifest with visible symptoms, illness is there when a person feels unwell or suffers pain or dysfunction.
In summary, disease refers to the medical condition itself, whereas illness refers to the patient’s experience of that condition.
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