Chronic diseases
Chronic disease is a long-term or permanent medical condition that progresses slowly over time. This disease typically lasts for three months or longer. The World Health Organization states that chronic diseases are not contagious from person to person.
Chronic disease is responsible for 60% of all deaths worldwide. About 80% of chronic disease deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Approximately half of chronic disease deaths occur in people under the age of 70. Chronic diseases affect men and women almost equally worldwide.
Prevention of chronic diseases cannot generally be achieved through vaccines or medication. These diseases do not go away, but they can be managed, and their symptoms can be controlled.
Chronic Diseases:
-Arthritis
-Cardiovascular Diseases
-Respiratory Diseases
-Cancer
-Diabetes
-Epilepsy and Seizures
-Obesity
-Oral Health Problems
-Chronic Kidney Disease
-Glaucoma
-Hypothyroidism
-Multiple Sclerosis
-Parkinson's Disease
-Schizophrenia
-Digestive System Disorders
-Hyperlipidemia
-Blood Clotting Disorders
There are many diseases considered chronic, including:
Arthritis: Arthritis is the main cause of disability and often affects older individuals. It is characterized by inflammation and swelling in the joints, making movement difficult. Regular moderate exercises, weight management, and building strong muscles around the joints can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness, increase flexibility, and improve endurance.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Cardiovascular diseases encompass a range of conditions that affect the heart and its function, being the leading cause of death. Modifying risk factors through prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management are crucial for improving heart health. These include heart failure, weakened heart muscle, coronary artery disease, and irregular heartbeats.
Respiratory Diseases: Respiratory diseases are a group of disorders that affect the respiratory system and impair its function. Common respiratory diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis. Avoiding environmental triggers, quitting smoking, and managing symptoms effectively are essential for respiratory health.
Cancer: Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the body that can spread to other parts. Prevention, early detection, and high-quality treatment play a significant role in managing cancer. Controlling behavioral and environmental risk factors can help reduce the chances of developing cancer.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization. It is a serious and costly disease that increases over time, with type 2 diabetes being the most prevalent form. Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and medication, are essential for managing diabetes and preventing complications.
Epilepsy and Seizures: Epilepsy and seizures are neurological disorders that result in abnormal brain activity. They can affect individuals of all ages, with particular vulnerability in children and older adults.
Obesity: Excessive weight or obesity increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis-related disabilities, and certain types of cancer. Paying attention to diet, engaging in regular exercise, and making lifestyle changes are crucial for managing and preventing obesity-related health issues.
Oral Health Problems: Oral health problems can cause pain, discomfort, speech difficulties, chewing difficulties, and swallowing problems.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease involves the gradual loss of kidney function. It may remain hidden until kidney function significantly decreases. The treatment of chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing down the progression and controlling the underlying causes.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma, also known as "the silent thief of sight," refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, a critical component for good vision. It often results from abnormally high eye pressure and can lead to complete blindness if left untreated.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is more common in women, especially in their sixties. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, joint pain, and infertility. The treatment involves using synthetic thyroid hormone replacement.
Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). It is characterized by numbness and tingling in the limbs, often affecting one side of the body.
Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and impairs movement. It gradually develops, often starting with noticeable tremors in one hand. It is characterized by stiffness of the limbs and difficulty in movement.
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. It is characterized by hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (false beliefs one is firmly convinced are true). Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment.
Digestive System Disorders: Digestive system disorders are among the most common and prevalent diseases. Examples include ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia, commonly referred to as high cholesterol in the blood, is a chronic condition associated with heart disease. Paying attention to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication, if necessary, is important in managing hyperlipidemia.
Blood Clotting Disorders: Blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, are inherited bleeding disorders where blood does not clot properly.