Title: Coping and Thriving With a Chronic Condition
Author: Carla Cobbs
Publisher: Carla Cobbs
Pages: 88
Genre: Nonfiction
No single soul on this planet is fortunate enough to have smooth sailing when it comes to dealing with life challenges. Everyone has to go through the twists and turns of life while keeping their sanity intact and growing as a person. However, the journey becomes much more challenging if you have to cope with health complications as well.
Coping and Thriving with a Chronic Condition is a guidebook for people who are suffering from a chronic disease. This book not only discusses the difficulties such patients face to assure them that they are not alone in their journey but also presents ways to ease their suffering and eventually thrive while living with a chronic condition. It also aims to help those without a chronic condition learn more about the challenges of living with a life-long health condition so they can empathize with such patients.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lbaVux
Chapter One
Chronic diseases are one of the leading causes of death and disabilities all around the world. They are one of the most difficult challenges faced by international health organizations and the major driving factor behind the huge global annual health budget. The United States alone has set a $4.1 trillion budget for health care per annum, mainly due to the prevalence of different kinds of chronic diseases among the masses. It is reported that 45% of all American adults are living with a chronic disease.[1] Besides being a financial burden on both the national and global economy, chronic
diseases take a great toll on people’s physical and emotional health. They most often result in life-long inconvenience and suffering. Before exploring the factors that give rise to chronic diseases, it is imperative to understand what a chronic disease exactly is.
What Is a Chronic Disease?
When a certain disease or a medical condition is persistent or usually lasts for more than three months, it can be categorized as a chronic disease. The symptoms or effects usually stay for a long time and might worsen with the passage of time. For instance, diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, and hypertension can usually be controlled but not cured, so the patients are left with no option but to adapt to the changes such diseases enforce in their lifestyles. Chronic disease is different from a terminal illness as it allows the patients to live while managing their symptoms. Terminal illness, on the other hand, ends with a person’s death.
Chronic diseases usually target different areas of the body. For instance, having a cardiovascular disorder might affect the functioning of the lungs as well. Although there are treatments available to help ease the pain and suffering of the person affected by chronic conditions, such diseases are not fully responsive to treatments. People with chronic diseases may also experience a relapse period where the symptoms go away temporarily and reappear after some time. Chronic diseases are usually regarded as “non-communicable” diseases due to their non-contagious nature or non-infectious causes. However, a few chronic diseases, like HIV or COVID, are an exception that can be caused by transmissible infections. Regardless of the root cause, chronic diseases are one of the most common types of medical conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. A person can suffer from more than one chronic disease simultaneously. In fact, having one kind of chronic disease makes you more prone to others. It is estimated that 40% of adults in the United States have at least two chronic conditions.[2]
The effects of chronic illness on the human body can range from mild to severe. For instance, a cardiac arrest or a stroke might be immediately life-threatening. In contrast, diabetes can be long-lasting and is usually not fatal if its symptoms are managed properly. Most chronic diseases, such as arthritis, persist throughout the person’s life without risking death.
Major Chronic Diseases: Symptoms and Treatments
Symptoms and treatments of chronic diseases vary from patient to patient. Healthcare professionals examine the condition and outline a treatment plan depending on the nature of the disease, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s medical history. Based on the number of reported cases, and the healthcare costs, the following chronic conditions are among the common and significant ones:
· Cardiovascular disease
· Diabetes
· Alzheimer’s/ Dementia
· Pain (i.e., arthritis and fibromyalgia)
· Hypertension
· Respiratory diseases such as asthma
· Vision impairment, i.e., blindness; partial, legal, or complete
· Hearing impairment, i.e., deaf or hard of hearing
· Mobility impairments, i.e., spinal cord dysfunction or muscular dysfunction
· Rare medical conditions, i.e., Arthrogryposis and Cystic Fibrosis.
A few of these chronic diseases, their symptoms, treatments, and the lifestyle changes they require are briefly discussed below.
I. Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases are undoubtedly one of the leading causes of death globally. In the United States, a person dies every second of heart disease.[3] One in every four deaths in the US is due to a heart condition which brings the total number to 659,000 per annum.[4] There is a wide range of diseases that fall under the category of cardiovascular, or more commonly, heart disease. The following conditions are classified as CVD:
· Heart Valve Diseases.
· Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
· Heart Arrhythmias.
· Pericardial Disease.
· Congenital Heart Disease.
· Cardiomyopathy.
· Heart Defects.
There are different factors that can contribute to the development of the aforementioned health conditions. Similarly, each heart disease comes up with different health challenges. The symptoms patients experience depend on what type of heart disease they have. The most commonly reported symptoms of heart disease are as follows:
· Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or discomfort..
· Pain or numbness in limbs or different areas. This happens when the blood vessels carrying blood to those areas of the body are either blocked or narrowed (due to the illness or a side effect of a medicine).
· Pain in the neck, jaw, or shoulder.
· Shortness of breath.
· Lightheadedness or dizziness.
· Swelling in the hands, ankle, or feet.
· Fatigue.
· Irregular heartbeats, changes in heart rhythm.
· Dry or persistent cough.
Unfortunately, we cannot avert heart disease or altogether eliminate the chances of developing one. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the only condition that can be avoided by making healthy lifestyle choices. CAD usually occurs due to the build-up of fatty plaque in arteries. This plaque blocks the flow of blood in the vessels and can potentially cause damage to the heart. We can avoid this condition by reducing the excessive fats in our diet. Food enriched with cholesterol, saturated fat, or trans fat mainly contributes to arterial blockage and eventually triggers a heart attack or stroke.
Heart diseases are mostly chronic and require a persistent and major lifestyle change. Healthcare professionals usually prescribe targeted medications to help treat the condition. Regardless of the type of heart disease, patients are encouraged to adopt the following dietary habits and lifestyles.
· Consume nutrient-rich food, which includes vitamins, fibers, and minerals. · Increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain food.
· Cut down on sugar-sweetened beverages and red meat.
· Coordinate their diet with physical activity, i.e., cardio exercises or yoga. II. Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 34.2 million people of all ages, or 10.5% of the population, had diabetes in 2018.[5] Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders that disrupt the blood glucose level. After having a meal, carbohydrates - one of the major nutrients, breaks down into glucose. The glucose enters the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels. To maintain it to a normal range, our pancreas releases a special hormone called insulin. Insulin helps cells throughout the body to ensure the influx of glucose, providing the cells with the energy they need. In diabetic patients, cells do not respond to insulin the way they should. The body produces more insulin to overcome the challenge, but it cannot keep up with the requirement after some time. The glucose remains in the bloodstream, keeping the sugar level high.
The general symptoms of diabetes are as follows:
· Weight loss.
· Increased thirst.
· Elevated level of hunger.
· Frequent urination.
· Blurry vision.
· Low healing rate in injuries.
· Fatigue.
A person with diabetes can also have recurring infections because the body’s immune system is affected due to the elevated blood glucose level. The disease can potentially lead to serious medical complications; however, medication and lifestyle changes can help us manage the symptoms very well.
Depending upon the condition, the physician prescribes a certain drug to lower the blood sugar level. Usually, the drugs to treat diabetic patients function in either of the following ways:
· Slow down the process of decomposition of carbohydrates and starchy food.
· Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin.
· Lower the amount of glucose the liver makes.
· Improve the quality of insulin produced.
· Release more glucose into the urine.
Along with the appropriate drug, doctors recommend a variety of lifestyle and dietary changes to the affected person to cope with the challenges of the disease. People with diabetes need to be very cautious with their eating habits; they need to be aware of what and when they should eat and how much is sufficient. They cannot survive on an empty stomach for too long; this is one of the major challenges diabetic people face. Since their bodies are unable to utilize glucose efficiently, consuming a normal proportion of meals at one time can raise their blood sugar level to an alarming level. In order to keep their blood sugar steady, they need to consume a small and healthy proportion of meals throughout the day. With the help of a dietitian or a nutritionist, the affected person can figure out how much carbohydrates they should consume in each meal. Their diet should mostly include:
· Fruits in a moderate quantity.
· Vegetables.
· Whole grain.
· Protein.
· Healthy fats such as olive oil.
Increased blood sugar levels provide the basis for other health issues like high cholesterol or blood pressure. So, diabetic patients are also required to stay active. It is not necessary to join a gym, but a 15-30 minute brisk walk or jogging can do wonders for their health.
III. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the affected person’s airways get inflamed and narrowed. Consequently, they face difficulty in breathing. Asthma is also sometimes referred to as Bronchial Asthma as it causes inflammation in bronchial tubes, which can eventually damage the lungs. People suffering from asthma experience trouble talking or performing everyday routine tasks. It is also one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting almost 25 million Americans.[6] People with asthma cannot survive in dusty or polluted places even for a short time. Exposure to such an environment can trigger an asthma attack. The affected person may experience the following symptoms:
· Coughing, especially in the morning or at night.
· Tightness, pain, or pressure in the chest area.
· Shortness of breath or abrupt breathing.
· Trouble sleeping due to difficulty in breathing.
· Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing.
Doctors treat this disease through a number of medications, including Anticholinergics, Theophylline, Corticosteroids, etc. The use of an inhaler and nebulizing are also recommended for asthma patients.[7] They are also advised to avoid going to places where there is a risk of exposure to smoke, dust, or other air pollutants.
Significant Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases are mainly attributed to unhealthy lifestyles, and most of them share common risk factors and conditions. These risk factors can be biological, behavioral, or environmental.
I. Behavioral Factors
· Tobacco
Tobacco is one of the major causes of respiratory diseases or other lung infections all over the world. Every day, an estimated 1600 people below the age of 18 try their first cigarette, and almost 200 end up becoming addicted to smoking[8] in the US. Data reveals that 14% of the American adult population smokes, and every 1 in 5 deaths is associated with excessive smoking.[9]
Tobacco consumption adversely affects almost every organ of the body. It can cause heart diseases, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis, and in severe cases, lung cancer. Smoking can also lead to tuberculosis, some immunological diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and certain eye diseases.
· Alcohol Consumption
It is commonly perceived that the only drawback of excessive alcohol consumption is a wine headache or hangover that goes away after some time; however, its persistent use can result in more unwanted and long-term health consequences. A frequent drinking habit can cause mood swings, anxiety, chronic stress, and problems with memory and concentration. Long-term alcohol use can also lead to alcohol-related liver diseases (ARLD), chronic liver inflammation, and elevated glucose levels, which eventually cause diabetes.
· Physical Inactivity
The advent of modern technology has undoubtedly made our lives much easier but has also paved the way for much more life-threatening diseases and health conditions. We have reduced physical activities that not only affect our physical health but also adversely impact our mental health. Adequate physical activity helps regulate weight and control blood sugar and blood pressure. It can also help maintain the cholesterol level, reducing the chances of arterial blockage, which is the root cause of diabetes. Performing the recommended amount of physical activity can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as bladder, colon, uterus, and breast.[10]
· Unhealthy Diet or Abrupt Sleeping Pattern
Many chronic diseases can also be triggered by unhealthy dietary habits that include deficiency or excessive consumption of nutrients. Having a diet that contains items low in fiber and high in sodium, fat, or glucose can also cause many health issues. Unhealthy dietary habits can impair our health and contribute to the risk of
developing illnesses such as type II diabetes, high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain eating disorders, bowel syndrome, and stomach or colon cancer in extreme conditions.
In order to lead a healthy life, it is imperative to maintain a balanced nutrient intake, with an appropriate proportion of carbohydrates, protein, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
II. Biological Factors
· Sex
Certain chronic diseases are sex-dependent and more prevalent in a particular gender. For instance, women are more prone to osteoporosis than men. Also, to what extent a particular disease affects a person also depends on sex in certain cases. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely to develop diabetes than women.[11] Some other research demonstrated that women with diabetes could face more complications than men.[12] Similarly, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or coronary heart diseases (CHD) are more prevalent in men than women. It is widely considered that women’s hormone levels might protect them from developing heart diseases, which is why the frequency of CVD increases after menopause.[13]
· Genetic Makeup
Genes also contribute significantly or are exclusively responsible for the development of certain diseases. Since genes are passed down from ancestors to their offspring, any changes to the DNA are also replicated in their children’s genetic makeup. For instance, diseases like cardiovascular disorders, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and depression can be common in families; however, diseases like dwarfism, sickle cell anemia, and some cancers are inherited.
III. Environmental or Societal Factors
· Air Pollution
One of the major chronic diseases, asthma or chronic bronchitis, is attributed to exposure to air pollution. In already infected people, the dust particles or polluted environment make symptoms worse and trigger asthma attacks. Air pollution is the leading factor in many other respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), lung cancer, or sleep apnea.
· Economic Disparity
This is one of the secondary risk factors that might be responsible for the prevalence of certain chronic diseases in a particular portion of the population. For instance, heart diseases or diabetes can undoubtedly reframe into life-threatening diseases if their symptoms are not managed properly. The patients need to make intensive and persistent lifestyle changes to adapt to the challenges such diseases pose to their health. Lifestyle changes sometimes become expensive and unaffordable for less-privileged people. When they do not take appropriate corrective measures, their symptoms worsen, further deteriorating their health. Moreover, the economic disparity can cause stress among the masses, which is also the driving force for the development of diabetes and chronic heart disease.
We cannot eliminate certain risk factors such as age, sex, or genetic makeup, but we can control many behavioral aspects such as increasing physical activity, making healthy dietary choices, or maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. Many societal norms, economic conditions, or physical attributes shape our behavior and trigger biological risk factors, and we end up having a chronic disease. When we make positive changes in our lifestyles, we can eliminate the risk of many biological risk factors as well. For instance, by consuming a balanced and healthy diet, we can reduce the chances of obesity and elevated blood lipids, which are the leading cause of hypertension and heart disease.
Chronic diseases are usually a life-long challenge faced by the affected people. They not only affect their health condition but also create a major impact on every aspect of their lives. Besides taking a toll on the affected person’s health, chronic diseases significantly affect the lives of caregivers as well, as dealing with such patients is not an easy task. People with chronic diseases have to embrace the challenges that come with the illness while adjusting to the daily lifestyle changes. This book is written with the aim of equipping the readers with the necessary tools that might
help them cope and thrive even with a chronic condition. It will assist people with chronic diseases to deal with their health challenges more efficiently while making accomplishments in their lives like healthy people.
About the Author
Carla Cobbs was born with a condition called Arthrogryposis that affects all limbs, especially legs. She uses an electric wheelchair for mobility. Despite her chronic condition she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) from Bowie State University then pharmacy school at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. After being offered employment in Texas post graduation, she lived there for most of her career. She worked as a pharmacist for about a decade educating the public about medications, side effects, diseases, and the healthcare system. Additionally, she recognized the number of people that were struggling with coping, thriving and accepting themselves and chronic illness. Currently, she is retired but continues to educate the public by writing the book Her hobbies include movies, jazz, music, aquatic aerobics, swimming, festivals, art, photography, card games, sport events. Carla is devoted to her faith and spirituality.
You can visit her website at www.CarlaCobbsCreates.com.
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