El término enfermedad proviene del latín infirmitas, que significa literalmente «falto de firmeza». La definición de enfermedad según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), es la de “Alteración o desviación del estado fisiológico en una o varias partes del cuerpo, por causas en general conocidas, manifestada por síntomas y unos signos característicos, y cuya evolución es más o menos previsible”.[cita requerida] La salud y la enfermedad son parte integral de la vida, del proceso biológico y de las interacciones medio ambientales y sociales. Generalmente, se entiende a la enfermedad como la pérdida de la salud, cuyo efecto negativo es consecuencia de una alteración estructural o funcional de un órgano a cualquier nivel.

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A disease is a particular abnormal condition, a disorder of a structure or function, that affects part or all of an organism. The study of disease is called pathology which includes the causal study of etiology. Disease is often construed as a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors such as pathogens, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions particularly of the immune system such as an immunodeficiency, or a hypersensitivity including allergies and autoimmunity. In humans, disease is often used more broadly to refer to any condition that causes pain, dysfunction, distress, social problems, or death to the person afflicted, or similar problems for those in contact with the person. In this broader sense, it sometimes includes injuries, disabilities, disorders, syndromes, infections, isolated symptoms, deviant behaviors, and atypical variations of structure and function, while in other contexts and for other purposes these may be considered distinguishable categories. Diseases can affect people not only physically, but also emotionally, as contracting and living with a disease can alter the affected person's perspective on life. Death due to disease is called death by natural causes. There are four main types of disease: infectious diseases, deficiency diseases, genetic diseases both (hereditary and non-hereditary), and physiological diseases. Diseases can also be classified as communicable and non-communicable. The deadliest diseases in humans are coronary artery disease (blood flow obstruction), followed by cerebrovascular disease and lower respiratory infections.

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