Chronic Illness

What are chronic illnesses?

Chronic illnesses are those conditions that last for months and years and are, in some cases, incurable, therefore requiring careful management and medical supervision. Chronic illnesses may cause constant or frequent bouts of pain and affect your mobility or other functions, both physical and mental.

Many chronic illnesses are potentially life-threatening, but those that aren’t still represent considerable and ongoing distress and discomfort. Some of the more common chronic illnesses include:

• Cancer
• Arthritis (typically rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)
• Dementia
• Chronic pain conditions
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Depression
• Thyroid disorders
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

There are many others, all of which have an impact on health and well-being that could be life-long.

How are chronic illnesses diagnosed?

Correct diagnosis of any chronic health condition is vital because without knowing precisely what’s causing your symptoms, it’s possible that you could be missing out on treatments that could be of great benefit.

Some conditions don’t present with obvious symptoms, for example, the early stages of type 2 diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure) doesn’t usually cause any symptoms at all until the damage to your arteries is at an advanced stage. Your provider at LaSante Health Center uses state-of-the-art medical technology and diagnostic tools, such as:

• X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Blood testing
• Sonogram
• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Allergy testing

It’s not uncommon for someone to have more than one chronic condition at the same time, for example, fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism or diabetes and osteoarthritis. Some patients may have all four and potentially more, so diagnosis and management can be complex.

How are chronic illnesses managed?

The specific treatment you receive at LaSante Health Center for a chronic illness depends on the conditions you have and any other factors that could influence treatment, such as your age, lifestyle, and weight. Your provider creates a personalized care plan for each patient that contains details of the medication prescribed for each condition and additional therapeutic approaches that could prove beneficial, such as:

• Ultrasound therapy
• Manual massage therapy
• Electrical muscle stimulation
• Therapeutic exercises
• Neuromuscular reprogramming
• Chiropractic manipulation

You also have a schedule of regular tests and consultations with the team at LaSante Health Center so they can monitor your progress and adjust your treatment accordingly. Again, the tests and the frequency with which you need to visit LaSante Health Center vary according to your condition. People with chronic illnesses also need emotional and social support, as being continually in pain or limited in what you can do takes a toll on your mental well-being and ability to enjoy life.

LaSante Health Center wants to meet all your needs, and the team does everything possible to make your life comfortable and rewarding. By partnering with LaSante Health Center, you can be sure of the best possible outcome, whatever your condition.

For expert chronic illness management, call LaSante Health Center today or book an appointment online.