With the emergence of the coronavirus and the increasing number of affected individuals, chronic diseases have become a topic of intense interest. Experts also note that people with chronic diseases  are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19  . Let's provide brief information about the most common chronic diseases in our country.

What are Chronic Diseases?

Chronic diseases are among the leading health problems that arise throughout a person's life due to many different factors and are persistent, affecting their quality of life.  Chronic diseases  may not present symptoms in their early stages, but they develop over time, requiring regular medical checkups.

Common Chronic Diseases and Their Definitions

Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Diseases, COPD, Muscle Diseases, Joint Inflammation (Arthritis), Obesity -Related Diseases, Endocrine Diseases, Asthma, Gastrointestinal Diseases

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes , a chronic metabolic disease  , is a condition characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. This condition is caused by impaired insulin secretion or the body's resistance to insulin.

Symptoms

• Frequent urination
• Dry mouth and need to drink water
• Feeling of hunger
• Delayed healing of skin wounds
• Dry and itchy skin 
• Numbness in the hands and feet. (However, this symptom appears later.)

Treatment

In order to control it, a healthy diet and nutrition, the use of medications recommended by the doctor and regular medical check-ups are required.

Hypertension

It is one of the most common chronic diseases. Blood pressure is generally defined as the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels.  Hypertension is defined as this pressure being higher than necessary. Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure (also known as systolic blood pressure) greater than 140 mmHg, and a diastolic blood pressure (also known as diastolic blood pressure) greater than 90 mmHg. While genetic factors, excessive salt intake, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to hypertension, its cause remains unknown.

Symptoms

Blurred or double vision, leg swelling, shortness of breath, weakness, ringing in the ears, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeat, dizziness and pain, frequent urination

Treatment

At the beginning of treatment, patients are advised to make lifestyle changes, achieve an ideal weight, reduce salt intake, increase fruit and vegetable intake, and avoid foods high in saturated fat. However, for those who cannot adapt to their new lifestyle or whose blood pressure does not return to normal despite these changes, medication therapy is initiated under the supervision of a doctor.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the most significant chronic  illness . The heart, the organ that pumps blood throughout our body, has two major blood vessels: the coronary arteries and the main aorta. Over time, fatty deposits accumulate in these vessels. This results in cardiovascular disease. Depending on the severity of the disease, attempts are made to control it through surgery or medication.

Symptoms

Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting, symptoms related to the organ fed by the blocked artery

Treatment

Treatment for cardiovascular disease can be achieved by controlling the underlying condition and by regularly checking with a doctor. You can schedule an appointment with our cardiology unit today to help manage your existing or future cardiovascular disease.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic lung diseases. COPD can be defined as difficulty expelling air from the lungs. Genetic factors, smoking, occupational deformities, and air pollution are cited as causes.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections, weakness

Treatment

It's impossible to completely heal lung damage. However, reducing symptoms and improving a person's quality of life is a priority. This can be achieved through treatment approved by a doctor.

Do you want to quit smoking but can't seem to make it work? We can help.

Muscle Diseases

Muscular dystrophy  is a chronic disease and is known as a muscle disease. The word originates from Ancient Greek. The word  "dystrophy" is formed by combining the words "dis"  (disease)  and "trophi"   (development)  .  

Symptoms

Muscle weakness, frequent falls, muscle cramps, difficulty climbing stairs and running, curvature of the spine, drooping eyelids, difficulty breathing and swallowing, heart problems, vision problems, weakness of facial muscles

In most muscle diseases,  symptoms appear in childhood and adolescence.

Treatment

Although there is no definitive cure for muscle diseases, the symptoms experienced by people are reduced and their quality of life is increased with the treatments used.

Joint Inflammation (Arthritis)

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease characterized by swelling and tenderness in one or more joints   . Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common causes of joint pain.

Symptoms

Joint pain, swelling and stiffness in joints, limitation of movement, weakness, increased temperature in joints

Treatment

Treatment for arthritis varies depending on the type. Generally, medication is administered under the supervision of a doctor.

Obesity" class="ez-toc-section"> Obesity

The World Health Organization classifies obesity  as a chronic disease  . Genetic factors that determine a person's metabolism, eating habits, environmental factors, and certain diseases are among the factors that trigger obesity.

Symptoms

• Don't get tired easily
• Headache in the morning
• Body mass index approaching 30%
• Waist area fat
• Difficulty breathing
• Sweating even when not moving

Treatment

Once the underlying cause of obesity is identified, medication treatment begins under the supervision of a doctor. Diet, exercise, and psychological therapy are also administered. Surgery is also an option if deemed necessary by the doctor.

Endocrine Diseases

Endocrine diseases are also among the chronic diseases. Endocrine is simply the system of endocrine glands. The hormones secreted by these glands in the endocrine system allow our body's internal system to adapt to changes caused by external factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type of disease.

Treatment

Depending on the type of disease and the doctor's recommendation, medical treatment or surgical intervention methods are applied.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes narrowing of the airways within the lungs and exacerbations. This narrowing is attributed to inflammation and swelling of the airway walls. Regular medical checkups and medication are necessary to prevent any impact on a person's quality of life.

Symptoms

• Wheezing and whistling sounds when breathing
• Cough
• Chest pain and tightness
• Shortness of breath

Treatment

There is no definitive treatment; however, it is possible to reduce the symptoms with medications used under the supervision of a doctor.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

The stomach and intestines are two fundamental elements of the digestive system. Various diseases affect these two elements and  are classified as chronic illnesses  . These diseases negatively impact a person's quality of life.

Symptoms

• Constipation
• Swelling
• Pain in the stomach area
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps

Treatment

Although treatment varies depending on the type of disease, changes in eating habits combined with the treatment recommended by the doctor can help control the disease.

Characteristics of Chronic Diseases

• A full recovery cannot be achieved.
• Although it is thought that the disease has been cured at times, it recurs.
• It usually begins to show symptoms in middle age.
• The time between the occurrence of risk factors and the onset of disease may be long.
• Patients must be under medical supervision at regular intervals and continue their treatments without interruption.

The treatment of all  chronic diseases is carried out by our specialist doctors.