Chronic illness is a term used to describe any condition that lasts 1 year or more and requires ongoing medical attention and/or limits activities of daily living. Some examples of common chronic illnesses include:
- Diabetes - With diabetes, the body either doesn't properly produce or use insulin, which is needed to convert sugar and starches into energy. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. In both types, blood sugar levels become too high, causing symptoms like increased thirst and urination, fatigue, blurry vision, and slow healing of wounds or infections. Diabetes is managed through medications, diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring.
- Asthma - Asthma is a condition where the airways swell and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma is typically triggered by allergens, irritants, exercise, stress, and respiratory infections. Though asthma has no cure, it can be controlled with medications like inhalers and avoiding asthma triggers.
- Arthritis - There are over 100 types of arthritis that cause joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most prevalent forms. Medications, physical therapy, joint-friendly exercises, assistive devices, and sometimes surgery can help improve mobility and reduce arthritis pain and discomfort.
- Lupus - Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, especially in the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Symptoms may include joint pain, rashes, fatigue, and fevers. Lupus has no cure but can be managed with medications, avoiding sun exposure, getting enough rest, and reducing stress.
So in summary, chronic illnesses are long-term health conditions that have persistent symptoms and limitations. While the symptoms can often be managed, chronic conditions typically cannot be cured entirely and have effects that come and go over one's lifetime.
Living with a chronic illness can profoundly impact one's physical health, daily life, emotional wellbeing, and finances. That's why *at Balance Hormone Clinic* we're dedicated to supporting those with chronic conditions like hypothyroidism or adrenal fatigue with customized hormone replacement therapy to help them regain energy, restore wellbeing, and optimize health. Our compassionate providers partner with each patient to create tailored treatment plans using bioidentical hormones that are molecularly identical to the ones made by the human body.
We know managing chronic illness isn't easy. But with *Balance Hormone Clinic* by your side providing individualized care, advanced testing, and innovative therapies, you don't have to go through it alone. Let us help you thrive in the face of chronic illness. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!