Chronic disease is a condition that lasts for years. It includes diseases like heart disease and cancer, as well as diabetes and high blood pressure. They can cause severe disability and pain, limit your ability to work, and significantly impact your quality of life. However, through Spring chronic disease management, you can keep the condition under control.
Chronic disease management is a unique approach to managing chronic conditions. Unlike the standard approach, which focuses on addressing symptoms and treating the condition, chronic disease management addresses the underlying cause of a chronic illness and addresses it holistically.
Below are common chronic diseases:
Heart disease
Heart disease is when the arteries supplying blood to your heart become blocked or narrowed. The most common cause of death from heart problems is heart attack.
If you have an abnormal heartbeat, you may notice palpitations, a sensation of your heart beating too fast or too often. Palpitations can indicate an underlying problem with the heart’s electrical system. If the palpitations are accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, they may indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells in the body grow and multiply out of control. The most common types of cancer start in the skin, breast, colon, rectum, prostate, and lung. Cancer may also develop from non-cancerous (benign) cells in other body parts.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body doesn’t produce or use insulin properly. The most common type of diabetes is type 1, an autoimmune disease affecting the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, affects the beta cells in your pancreas and results in insulin resistance.
Below are reasons why chronic disease management is important;
Helps control symptoms: This can help reduce the impact of pain or discomfort. It is also beneficial for people who have difficulty getting out of bed or walking up stairs because they have pain related to their illness.
Keeps you healthy: If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, they can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Chronic illnesses often need ongoing treatment to keep them under control and prevent further complications such as heart attack or stroke.
Prevents future complications: Current research shows that when people take steps to improve their health now, there are fewer chances of developing future health problems down the road. For example, if you drink more than one alcoholic drink a day for several years, your risk for heart attacks increases by 50 percent.
Save money on healthcare costs: If you have a chronic condition that requires regular treatment, it is important that you take steps to ensure that it remains under control. By managing your condition well, you can save yourself from further healthcare costs in the future.
Increase lifespan: Chronic diseases are often a leading cause of death, accounting for approximately 60% of all deaths worldwide. However, chronic disease management can help increase lifespan.
For help with chronic pain management, contact Comprehensive Care Clinic.