Chronic Health Conditions Chronic health conditions are recurring or persistent conditions. These conditions often develop over time. If untreated, they can progressively harm body parts and functions. While many chronic health conditions do not cause death, they can cause great suffering. It is estimated that 5-15% of young people have chronic health conditions.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Allergies are reactions of the body to certain substances. An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Common food allergens are milk, strawberries, wheat, eggs, corn, nuts, citrus fruits, and shellfish. Airborne allergens include pollen, dust, molds, grass, and cigarette smoke.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Medications, such as antibiotics and aspirin, are allergens for some people. Bee stings also can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include dizziness, nausea, skin rash, drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. People with severe allergies might carry special medications with them at all times.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Arthritis is the painful inflammation of joints in the body. Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative joint disease involving the loss of cartilage; causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation, pain, and swelling of the joints accompanied by spasms in adjacent muscles and often leading to deformity of the joints.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Treatment for osteoarthritis consists of pain relievers and exercise to improve movement of the joint area. Sometime surgery is performed to replace joints. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes medication to reduce swelling and pain. A regular program of exercise must be followed to prevent loss of joint function.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Asthma is a condition in which the bronchial tubes constrict, making breathing difficult. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. An asthma attack can be brought on by triggers in the environment. Triggers might include allergies, dust, very cold or humid air, cigarette smoke, stressful situations, or strenuous exercise.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Cerebral palsy is a nervous system disorder that interferes with muscle coordination. The cause could be a head injury, lead poisoning, accidental injury, or a certain illness. A person with cerebral palsy might have problems standing upright, walking, speaking, hearing, or seeing. Mental skills are seldom affected. Treatment includes physical therapy and speech therapy. Surgery may be used in some cases.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Diabetes is a disease in which the body produces little or no insulin, or cannot use insulin (due to problems with the insulin receptor sites). The result is excess sugar in the bloodstream. The symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, abnormal thirst, weakness, and blurred vision. The hands and feet may feel tingly and numb. Cuts heal slowly.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Some diabetics must self-administer insulin injections at regular intervals during the day. Others take an oral medication. The combination of diet and exercise is very important to controlling diabetes. Of particular concern to medical professionals is uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to heart disease, blindness, and death.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Epilepsy is a disorder in which abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes a person to move body parts erratically or experience a seizure (a temporary loss of control of the mind and body). If you witness a person having a seizure, remove any objects in the area that might cause injury. Do not put anything in the person’s mouth. Call as soon as possible.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) A headache is a pain in the head. A tension headache is pain that results from muscle contractions in the neck or head. It might last a few minutes or a few days. Treatment involves relieving the strain by relaxing the muscles. A migraine headache is severe head pain that is caused by dilation of blood vessels in the brain. Symptoms include severe throbbing, visual disturbances, nausea, and vomiting.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord is destroyed. Symptoms might include tingling and numbness in the body. There might be tiredness and dizziness. These symptoms might last several weeks to several months. Some people with MS might not be able to walk or care for themselves. There is no cure for MS. Physical therapy helps to strengthen muscles.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Sickle-cell anemia is an inherited blood disease in which red blood cells have less oxygen. Sickle-cell anemia occurs primarily in African-Americans. When a person has this disease, their red blood cells are “S”, or sickle shaped. As a result, they are fragile and easily destroyed. They have difficulty passing through tiny blood vessels because of their shape.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) The symptoms of sickle cell anemia first appear after 6 months of age. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, and shortness or breath. Children with sickle-cell anemia are at increased risk for pneumonia and blood infections. Unfortunately, there is no cure.

Chronic Health Conditions (cont.) Lupus is a disease that causes inflammation of the connective tissue. Lupus affects the skin, kidneys, joints, muscles, and central nervous system. There might be bleeding in the CNS, kidney failure, or heart failure. Lupus most often occurs during the teen years and is more common in females than males. Lupus runs in families. Treatment varies according to the body tissues involved. Medicines are used to reduce inflammation.