Difference Between Ailment and Disease

Ailment and disease are cause of harm to the body. Ailment and disease can change the normal functioning, which can lead to many problems of the body. For the common man, ailment and disease is the same thing and they hardly find any difference between the two.

When looking at the two terms, ailment is not that serious whereas disease is a serious situation. Most of the ailments can be cured using simple medications or home remedies. On the other hand, disease cannot be treated using home remedies or by simple medication.

If a person is suffering from any ailment, there is no need to consult a doctor. However, a doctor’s advice is needed when one has disease. When having disease, a person should have to follow the doctor’s direction and take medicines as per the prescription.

Disease is only an abnormal condition that affects an organism. Disease can be caused by internal dysfunction or external factors. Disease is a broader term that is used to describe a dysfunction, pain, social problems and distress. Disease also includes disabilities, infections, injuries, syndromes and disorders. One can differentiate diseases into two types ‘“ communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases. Moreover, diseases can also be classified as psychological diseases, deficiency diseases, hereditary diseases and pathogenic diseases.

When looking at ailments, headache, cough, cold, nasal congestion, heartburn, stomach ache, constipation and allergies can be termed as ailments. Some of the diseases include hypertension, diabetes, cancer, kidney issues and liver problems.
When comparing ailments and diseases, the latter ones are more dangerous. There is a possibility of risk of life in diseases where as such risks are not there in ailments.
Summary

1. Ailment is not that serious whereas disease is a serious situation.
2. When comparing ailments and diseases, the latter ones are more dangerous.
3. There is a possibility of risk of life in diseases where as such risks are not there in ailments.
4. Most of the ailments can be cured using simple medications or by home remedies. On the other hand, disease cannot be treated using home remedies or simple medication.
5. If a person is suffering from any ailment, there is no need to consult a doctor. However, a doctor’s advice is needed when one has disease.
6. Disease can be caused by internal dysfunction or external factors. Disease is a broader term that is used to describe a dysfunction, pain, social problems and distress. Disease also includes disabilities, infections, injuries, syndromes and disorders.