Many people all over the world suffer from one or more chronic medical conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a chronic disease. A chronic medical condition is not the same thing as a person getting the flu every year or frequently getting the common cold. It is a long-term illness that requires ongoing treatment and care.
We explain what a chronic medical condition is, how it affects patients and their families and, thankfully, how it can be managed.
What is a Chronic Medical Condition?
It is an illness that requires ongoing treatment and care. According to the CDC, it is a condition that lasts one year or more and usually impacts a person’s daily lifestyle to some degree. Some examples are:
Heart disease
Cancer
Diabetes
Migraines
Asthma
Alzheimer’s disease
Lung disease
Kidney disease
Causes
It is caused by a combination of genetics, lifestyle and environment. Sometimes there is no clear reason why someone develops one, but often there are risk factors that can increase the chance of developing one. Some common risk factors include:
Smoking
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption
Poor diet
Inactivity
Management
These conditions can be very challenging to manage, both for the person who has the condition and their loved ones. But with proper treatment and care, many people are able to live full, healthy lives.
There are many things that can help manage it, including:
Regular doctor visits
A healthy diet
Exercise
Prescribed medication
Living with a chronic medical condition can be difficult, but there are many resources and support groups available to help.
How Can We Help?
If you have a chronic medical condition, it is important to seek treatment and care from a qualified healthcare professional. Our experienced and professional medical team at Star City Medical are trained to care for a variety of chronic medical conditions. Schedule an appointment online.
