What constitutes a chronic disease?
A chronic disease is defined as a disease that lasts for three months or more. Generally, chronic conditions cannot be prevented by a vaccine or cured once they take hold. But there is much that can be done in managing the diseases.
What chronic diseases do you treat?
At Pacific MD, Dr. Abdarbashi and Dr. Anmangandla specialize in many of the most common chronic diseases, including:
- Hypertension: High blood pressure where the force of the blood against the arteries is significant enough to cause heart disease.
- Diabetes: An overall term for several types of the disease that involves problems with regulating the hormone insulin.
- Hyperlipidemia: A term used for high cholesterol, which results from the presence of extra fats in your blood.
- Congestive heart failure: When the heart is having problems pumping blood because of high blood pressure, clogged arteries, or conditions that weaken the heart.
- Autoimmune disorders: Disorders that cause either low activity or over activity of the immune system.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD): Characterized by inflammation in the lungs that hampers airflow.
- Asthma: A chronic condition that involves inflammation and narrowing of the airway passages, namely the bronchial tubes.
- Rashes: Caused by a number of issues, including allergies, heat, infections, and autoimmune disorders.
- Thyroid diseases: The conditions associated with the thyroid that are a result of abnormal hormone production.
Can chronic medical diseases be prevented?
While some chronic conditions are hereditary or genetic, most of the most common chronic conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as:
- Quitting smoking
- Lowering alcohol consumption
- Exercising more frequently
- Proper nutrition/losing weight
Dr. Abdarbashi and Dr. Anmangandla go over your risk factors and recommend measures to avoid chronic medical diseases.