Personal and Consumer Health 

Study Guide: 6th Grade 

 
1. What is the difference between a communicable disease and a chronic disease? 
- A communicable disease can be spread from one living organism to another. A 
chronic disease is ongoing and there is no cure, only treatment.  
 
2. Give three examples of communicable diseases. 
- Common cold 
- Flu 
- Chicken pox 
- Tuberculosis  
- Pneumonia 
 
3. Give three examples of chronic diseases. 
- Asthma 
- Allergies 
- Diabetes 
- Epilepsy 
- Cancer 
- Heart disease 
 
4. What are two other terms used for communicable diseases? 
- Contagious & infectious  
 
5. What conditions/diseases are often spread through airborne transmission? 
- Flu & tuberculosis  
 
6. How can you prevent illnesses from being spread through airborne transmission? 
- Stay away from sick people 
- Have a yearly flu shot 
- Stay home when sick  
 
7. How can you prevent “catching” something through contaminated objects? 
- Avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes 
- Stay home when sick 
- Avoid others who are sick 
- Get sufficient rest and sleep 
- Wash hands often 
 
8. What are four ways illnesses are spread through indirect contact? 
- Contaminated objects 
- Other organisms (vectors) 
- Contaminated food 
- Contaminated water 
 
9. Define the following:  
 
a. Respiration- The exchange of gases between your body and the air. 
 
b. Alveoli- Tiny air sacs in the lungs where carbon dioxide is exchanged with oxygen. 
 
c. Asthma- A chronic lung disease that can be life threatening. The exact cause is 
unknown.  
 
d. Triggers- Anything that brings on symptoms of the condition.  
 
e. Asthma Attack- The cells in the air tubes make more mucus than normal. The tubes 
swell and the muscles in the air tubes tighten. These changes cause the air tubes to 
narrow, making breathing very difficult. 
 
10. What common triggers may cause an asthma attack? 
- Viral or sinus infections 
- Emotional anxiety 
- Medication 
- Food 
- Exercise 
- Gasses or fumes 
- Weather conditions 
- Secondhand smoke 
- Dust mites 
- Pets 
- Mold  
- Pests 
 
11. What are the signs of an asthma attack? 
- Breathing changes 
- Feeling tired or weak 
- Funny feeling in the chest 
- Headache 
- Glassy eyes 
- Dark circles under eyes 
- Paleness 
- Watery eyes 
- Sweatiness 
- Getting out of breath 
- Restlessness 
- Chin or throat itching 
- Becoming unusually quiet 
- Heart rate increases 
- Coughing 
- Sneezing 
- Dry mouth 
- Stuffy nose