Chronic Disease

What is a chronic disease?

Chronic disease is a long-term illness that can’t be cured. Even so, with early diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to manage chronic diseases and prevent them from getting worse. 

Chronic disease affects everyone differently. Some people experience debilitating symptoms that keep them from work or other routine activities. Others experience mild symptoms that get progressively worse over time. 

What are some common types of chronic disease?

At Mountainside Medical Clinic, Liban treats many types of chronic disease, including:

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pumping against the walls of your arteries is consistently high for an extended period. Over time, high blood pressure weakens your vein walls, significantly increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure presents no obvious symptoms. 

High cholesterol

High cholesterol causes waxy deposits to collect in your blood vessels. As these deposits grow, they prevent blood from flowing freely, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol presents few symptoms. Routine blood tests can alert you to problems early on, allowing you to take action. 

Heart Conditions

Heart attack is a leading cause of death in America. The team at Mountainside Medical Clinic provides services to help maintain heart health, such as cholesterol screenings and blood pressure monitoring.

Stroke and Brain Conditions

The team at Mountainside Medical Clinic offers services and senior care to those who may have experienced a stroke or other brain condition, such as Parkinson's or tremors. 

Diabetes

Diabetes refers to a group of illnesses characterized by high blood sugar. Everyone needs some blood sugar to survive but too much increases the risk of permanent nerve damage. Treatment for diabetes depends on the type. Liban might recommend insulin therapy, healthy lifestyle changes, or a combination of both.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that causes your lungs to become swollen and irritated. That makes it difficult to breathe, especially during physically demanding activities like exercise. Asthma varies in severity and affects everyone differently. If you regularly cough or wheeze after working out, don’t wait to seek treatment.

Depression

Depression is a chronic disease that triggers long-term feelings of sadness or despair. Almost everyone experiences a low mood on occasion, but if your symptoms persist for weeks or even months, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue.

How is a chronic disease diagnosed?

To diagnose a chronic disease, Liban conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. He then orders laboratory tests, including blood work and urinalysis to gain further insights about your current health status. 

How is a chronic disease treated?

Treatment of a chronic disease depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, Liban recommends conservative, integrative measures of care like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing your stress levels. You might also benefit from prescription medication, routine checkups, or in rare instances, surgery.

If you’re living with a chronic disease, request a consultation at Mountainside Medical Clinic. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the office today to speak with a caring team member.