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10 illnesses that can kill in less than 24 hours

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10 illnesses that can kill in less than 24 hours
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There are thousands of diseases in existence, but there are some that you need to know about, as they are extremely dangerous, and can kill in less than 24 hours! Should you contract any of them, you need to react swiftly. Here are 10 potentially fatal diseases -learn how to recognise their symptoms, in order to react fast if necessary. 

1) Heart attack

A myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, can be fatal if it is not treated in time. In the case of a heart attack, a blood clot blocks an artery of the heart, and the myocardium, the muscle tissue of the heart, doesn’t get enough blood and thus lacks oxygen, which leads to tissue death.

The symptoms of a heart attack can be numerous. It can manifest for example as tightness in the chest, with pain that radiates to the neck, the left arm, the wrist and even the fingers. Other symptoms such as fatigue, pallour, digestive problems, breathlessness, etc., can also signal the alert. Call the emergency services immediately in the case of any doubt, as there is a significant risk of death from heart attack.

2) Stroke

In the majority of cases, stroke is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel, which leads to a cerebral haemorrhage. It is called an ischemic stroke when an obstructed blood vessel disrupts the blood circulation, leading to death of the nerve cells in the brain: this is the case with cerebral thrombosis or cerebral embolism.

As in the case of heart attacks, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity and family history are the main risk factors for stroke.

The symptoms of a stroke often manifest as an intense headache, digestive problems or balance issues. Paralysis of the limbs on one side (hemiplegia) and difficulties with speaking can follow. Contact emergency services if you notice one or more of these symptoms, ideally less than three hours after the event, in order to increase the chances of recovery. Without intervention, stroke can be fatal or lead to permanent disability.

3) Pulmonary embolism

In the case of a pulmonary embolism, the pulmonary artery is fully or partially blocked, usually due to a blood clot, which causes breathing problems. There is a high risk of heart attack if the pulmonary embolism is not treated in time, in the hour following the first symptoms. 

In 50% of cases, a pulmonary embolism is preceded by phlebitis, a clot that forms in a vein in the calf which gradually moves up towards the lungs, following the blood flow. Other symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are breathlessness and breathing difficulties, tachycardia (increased heart rate), chest pains, a cough, fainting or a significant drop in blood pressure. There is a significant risk of heart attack, which is why you need to contact the emergency services if you are in any doubt.

4) Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas which can lead to death. Its symptoms often present as abdominal pain which can radiate out through the back, digestive problems, fatigue, sweats, or breathing difficulties.

Alcohol, even when consumed occasionally in large quantities, and gall stones are the main risk factors for acute pancreatitis.

5) Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges which surround the neurons in the central nervous system. This illness affects mainly children. Meningitis presents as intense headaches accompanied by light sensitivity, a stiff neck and sometimes fever and nausea. Consult the emergency services immediately if you notice these symptoms. A blood test and a lumbar puncture will determine the cause of the infection. If it turns out to be bacterial meningitis, antibiotics will be prescribed.

Children should be vaccinated against the majority of infections that cause meningitis as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. Vaccines against group A, C, W and Y meningococcal viruses are recommended or obligatory in certain situations, for example, if you are travelling to a high risk area. The meningitis B vaccine is also now offered in the UK, as the meningococcal B infection is a common cause of meningitis in young children.