Chronic Disease refers to an illness that lasts for more than 3 months. In Pakistan, chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and lung disease are among the top 10 causes of death.

Arthritis

Arthritis involves painful swelling of the joints. It usually shows up as pain and stiffness. The two most normal sorts of joint inflammation are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid joint inflammation.

Treatments include –

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation
• Weight loss
• Low impact activity and exercise
• Hot and cold therapy
• Massage therapy

Asthma

In patients with asthma, the airways, such as bronchial tubes, become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Common symptoms are wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.

While there is no cure for asthma, a personalized treatment plan can help to improve the quality of life. Approved biologics for asthma include Omalizumab, Mepolizumab, Reslizumab, Benralizumab, and Dupilumab.

Changing the environment, quitting smoking, avoiding allergens, such as dust, use of bronchodilators and steroids (short-term) can help a great deal in keeping the symptoms at bay.

Cardiovascular disease

There are several risk factors for CAD (coronary artery disease). These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, a family history of heart disease or obesity. If you identify with any of these, consult your doctor for any signs of narrowed arteries. Other preventive measures include a healthy diet and regular exercise.

CAD or Coronary artery disease develops when the bigger blood vessels supplying the heart, become damaged. Often plaque, or the cholesterol deposits in the arteries, is the culprit.

The plaque development limits the coronary supply routes and lessens the bloodstream to your heart. Common symptoms include angina or chest pain and breathlessness. Severe blockages can cause a heart attack.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a wide term used to depict various reformist lung infections, as persistent bronchitis, emphysema, and non-reversible asthma. Shortness of breath is a typical indication of COPD.

COPD treatments include a variety of drugs, exercises, oxygen therapy, surgery, and complementary therapies.

Medication management for COPD aims to improve lung capacity, reduce inflammation, relax airway muscles, and improve breathing. These medications may include –

• Bronchodilators to prevent airway muscles from tightening or to help them relax
• Anti-inflammatory steroids, as inhalers, to reduce inflammation and ease breathing
• Antibiotics to combat infections that may worsen the symptoms
• Flu and pneumonia vaccinations

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels remain higher than normal. Common warnings signs of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination or urine infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Skin infections with delayed healing

To prevent diabetes, add lots of vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, and lean meat to your diet. Regular exercise is a must.

If someone has been diagnosed with diabetes, Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services can help the person to stay healthy and manage diabetes.

DSMES includes monitoring the blood glucose levels, taking medication on time and as prescribed, and make better decisions about your condition.

If you are looking for the best chronic disease treatment or a medical consult when traveling to/from Pakistan, or a lifestyle modification specialist in Pakistan, consult  Doctors for Pakistan or write to info@doctorsforpakistan.com.