Chronic conditions are long-term health problems that may persist for months or years. They can be caused by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Some chronic conditions San Antonio can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, while others may require more aggressive treatment.
Treatment will vary depending on the chronic disease but may include the following:
- Medications: Many different types of medications are used to treat chronic conditions. These can include over-the-counter and prescription.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a chronic condition.
- Therapy: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may be recommended to help manage a chronic condition.
- Lifestyle changes: Healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, can help manage or prevent chronic conditions.
- Alternative treatments: Some people may find relief from chronic conditions with alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, massage, or yoga.
Common chronic conditions include:
Arthritis
The cartilage that protects your joints deteriorates when you develop arthritis. This might result in discomfort, stiffness, and edema. There are various forms of arthritis, the most common of which are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease in which the body attacks the joints, whereas osteoarthritis results from joint wear and tear.
Asthma
Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult for air to enter and exit the lungs. Asthma can be brought on by various factors, including allergens, cold air, exercise, and stress.
Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases that occur when cells in the body start to grow out of control. There are many different types of cancer, each with its symptoms and treatment options. To know if you have cancer, your doctor will perform a biopsy, which is a test that removes tissue from the body to be examined under a microscope.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD are lung diseases that make it hard for a patient to breathe. The most common form of COPD is emphysema, which is a condition that damages the air sacs in the lungs. Other forms of COPD include bronchitis, which is an inflammation of the airways, and asthma.
Depression
Genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors all contribute to depression. It is a mental health illness characterized by continuous unhappiness and a loss of interest in activities. Physical symptoms may include exhaustion, sleeplessness, and weight loss or increase.
Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone that aids the body’s conversion of sugar into energy. It is a chronic conditions that arises when the body does not create enough insulin or does not properly utilize insulin. Diabetes can induce symptoms such as fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination. Untreated can lead to severe problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a general term for some conditions that affect the heart. These conditions can include coronary artery disease, narrowing the arteries that supply blood to the heart, and heart failure, which occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to the body.
If you think you may have a chronic condition, you must see your doctor at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Apart from that if you want to know about Hearing Loss due to a blocked ear then visit our Health category.