Topic Details

Chronic disease is responsible for 60% of all deaths worldwide. 80% of chronic disease deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. About half of all chronic disease deaths occur in people under the age of 70 years. Chronic diseases affect men and women almost equally worldwide.

What are chronic disease?

It is a group of diseases called non-communicable diseases, and it is not transmitted from one person to another, and it usually takes a person to get infected with it and develop it for a long period within a relatively slow process.

Chronic diseases are a global problem, and the twentieth century witnessed a remarkable rise in their incidence. The Arab countries are the countries with the most rates of chronic diseases, as a result of irregular eating behavior and lack of physical activity. Chronic diseases in Arab countries constitute a strong challenge for decision-makers and medical and health strategists

Types of chronic diseases:

 *Diseases of the heart and blood vessels

 *respiratory system diseases

 *cancer

 *diabetes

 *Obesity

 *chronic kidney disease (kidney failure(

 *Glaucoma (blue eyes(

 *Hypothyroidism

 *Diseases of the digestive system

 *High lipids

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels:

Heart diseases are a group of diseases that affect heart function and are considered one of the main causes of death. Modification of risk factors is necessary to prevent and control heart diseases and improve health in general. Among these diseases:

* Heart failure.

* Weak heart muscle.

 *Coronary artery disease.

* Arrhythmia.

respiratory system diseases:

Respiratory diseases consist of a group of disorders that affect the respiratory system and impede the performance of its function, and these diseases include:

* Asthma.

* Chronic bronchial obstruction.

 * Bronchiectasis

cancer:

Cancer is an abnormal growth of certain body cells that spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Cancer can be largely controlled through prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. Reducing cancer requires reducing the prevalence of the behavioral and environmental factors that increase the risk of cancer, and requires providing high-quality screening and treatment services.

diabetes:

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that increases over time. Its cause may be either hereditary due to the body’s inability to produce an adequate amount of insulin, as in the first kind diabetes, or it may be acquired, caused by cell resistance to insulin, as in  The second kind diabetes. affected by this type. The best ways to reduce the risk of developing diabetes are as follows: early detection, improved care, and improved self-management.

Obesity:

 People who are obese or overweight are more likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and disabilities related to arthritis and some types of cancer.

chronic kidney disease (kidney failure):

Kidney failure is one of the most serious chronic diseases, as it leads to loss of kidney function, and it cannot appear until kidney function rates drop significantly, and chronic kidney disease can be treated by slowing down the development of kidney damage and controlling the underlying cause leading to kidney failure.

Glaucoma (blue eyes):

  Glaucoma (blue eyes) and it is called glaucoma, which is the common name among eye patients, and it is a group of diseases that affect the eye and lead to damage to the optic nerve, which is a key factor in the vision process, and this damage is often caused by abnormally high eye pressure. It develops into complete blindness if it is not treated properly.

Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism or what is called hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, as women are considered more susceptible to infection, especially at the age of sixty, and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are obesity, joint pain, and infertility. Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone.

Diseases of the digestive system:

Gastrointestinal diseases are among the most prevalent and common diseases, and these diseases include:

* Ulcerative colitis.

* Crohn's disease.

Celiac disease.

* Reflux esophagitis.

High lipids:

High levels of lipids, or what is known as high cholesterol in the blood, is one of the chronic diseases spread in the United States and is one of the causes of heart disease. You should pay attention to the diet and exercise regularly in addition to resorting to medication.

Causes of chronic diseases:

Chronic disease and major risk factors include:

* Following an unhealthy diet such as eating fatty and fast food, which is associated with diabetes

* Not doing exercise.

* Respiratory diseases are linked to smoking

Research indicates that if major risk factors for chronic disease are eliminated, at least 80% of heart disease, stroke and The second kind diabetes will be prevented, and 40% of cancer cases will be avoided.

Treatment of chronic diseases:

So far, no definitive treatment has been found for chronic diseases, but the focus is on treating them in general on several axes, the most important of which are:

Control of symptoms associated with the disease.

Trying to stay away from the main risk factors, as it is an effective way to prevent and manage chronic diseases.

How to prevent chronic diseases:

1- Follow a healthy diet

2- Exercising regularly

 3- Get enough sleep

4- Avoid smoking

5- Knowing the family history of diseases

6- Follow-up from the doctor

7- Avoid exposure to stress