The chronic disease management process is a way to treat and track the progress of those suffering from long-term (chronic) illnesses. It can be difficult for patients who suffer from long-term conditions to see improvements, and these processes can help them stay on track with their treatment plans. Chronic illness management helps the patient and the doctor keep on top of medications, care plans, and other information needed to treat long-term conditions. Through this process, doctors can keep better track of their patient’s progress and help them avoid setbacks or complications that could prove harmful to their health. If you have a chronic disease of any kind, you need to work closely with a specialist in chronic disease management in South Charleston. Here are some factors that may affect your chronic disease management plan.
Age
Age is a huge factor when it comes to chronic disease management. As people get older, their bodies change, and the risk of complications from long-term conditions rises significantly. When you are younger, your body can deal with a lot more medical treatment, but as time goes on, your body becomes less capable of handling many medical procedures. That’s why it’s so important that doctors monitor older patients very closely and pay attention to what changes might be going on in their bodies.
Medical and Family History
A good doctor will take a complete medical history of you and your family before developing a chronic disease management plan. This is to assess the risk factors in your life (like diabetes, heart conditions, etc.). It’s never a bad idea to tell your doctor everything about your medical history. If you don’t, you could be putting yourself at risk for further complications and treatment failure. Be as truthful as possible when talking about your medical history.
Diet and Lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle are the most significant factors in the progress of any chronic disease. Studies have found that more than 80% of those with diabetes see their conditions worsen because of a poor diet and lack of exercise. If you suffer from a long-term illness, one of your first lines of defense is to improve your diet and get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.
Your Environment
Speaking of the environment, it’s essential to keep in mind that many conditions are worsened by exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants. If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (about 5% of the population do), you should avoid exposure to smoke and other irritants that can cause flare-ups.
Your Job
Your occupation can also affect your chronic disease management. If you have a job that requires heavy physical labor, you may not be able to work at that same level for too long before feeling exhausted or in pain. Many jobs are safe for those who suffer from chronic conditions, but it’s essential to disclose this information to your employer if yours isn’t.
In summary, chronic disease management is a branch of medicine that treats and monitors patients suffering from chronic illnesses. The chronic disease management plan your doctor recommends will vary depending on factors such as your age, occupation, diet, and lifestyle. Your medical and family history and the environment you live in also play a part.
