What exactly are “chronic diseases”? Generally speaking, the term encompasses conditions that have been ongoing for a year or more, requires continuous medical attention, and limits your daily activities. Here at RMS Consultations in Southfield, MI, Dr. Antoine Geffrard, treats and helps patients with chronic disease management.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases are considered as the leading causes of annual deaths and disabilities in the United States. S what are these chronic diseases and how are they treated?
Diabetes
Roughly seven million of those 65 years old and above have diabetes and most of them live with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes happens when a person’s blood sugar or blood glucose gets excessively high. It impairs the ability of the body to process blood sugar and can result in dangerous complications that can include cardiovascular diseases.
Treatment options for Type 1 diabetes can include insulin, exercise, and a proper diet. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, can be treated by weight reduction through diet and exercise, oral or injected Type 2 diabetes medications, and insulin therapy.
Cancer
This chronic disease is the second deadliest in the United States. There are different types of cancers that a person can have. Two of the most common are colorectal cancer, which accounts for 10% of all cancer death, and breast cancer, which affects mostly women who are 50 years old and above.
Treatment options for cancer can include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Bone Marrow Transplant
- Immunotherapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Targeted Drug Therapy
- Cryoablation
- Radio Frequency Ablation
Cardiovascular Diseases
One of the growing concerns around the world, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in many countries. Increased risk is associated with tobacco use, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity. Treatment options for heart diseases normally include:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Cardiac Rehab
- Medications Used to Treat Heart Failure
- Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)
- Devices and Surgical Procedures for Treatment of Heart Failure
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is one of the major risk factors for strokes and heart diseases because of the damages to the arteries. With the 78 million adults suffering from high blood pressure, less than half have the condition under control. Excessive sodium consumption leads to high blood pressure. Common treatment options are:
- Heart-healthy diet that has less salt
- Regular physical activity
- Medications for regulating blood pressure
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting or eliminating the use of alcoholic drinks
Having the chronic disease high LDL cholesterol doubles your risk of heart disease. The excess cholesterol builds up on the arteries’ walls and limits the blood flow to the brain, heart, kidneys, legs, and other vital organs. Treatment options to improve cholesterol levels include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Statins
- Bile-acid-binding resins
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- Injectable medications
Early Detection and Management
Chronic diseases are serious conditions that must never be taken lightly. By consulting with your doctor in Southfield, MI, you can find the appropriate treatment plan that will agree with your lifestyle. That being said, it is rare for chronic diseases to be completely cured. That is why early detection and better self-management are essential strategies in preventing the increased risk and medical burden of the conditions.
For Help in Managing Chronic Diseases, We Can Help
Arrange a meeting with Dr. Antoine Geffrard here at RMS Consultations in Southfield, MI, by dialing (248) 663-5353.
