chronic disease
What is a chronic disease?
A chronic disease is a long-term health condition that persists for an extended period, typically more than three months. These conditions often require ongoing medical attention, management, and treatment to control symptoms and prevent complications.
Some diseases don’t have a quick and easy cure, and require more long-term care or management, such as:
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension
Dr. Mope is highly skilled in managing these conditions, in order to improve the day to day life of those living with chronic diseases. Don’t wait to start addressing your chronic disease.
How is diabetes managed?
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, Dr. Mope first tries to manage your blood sugar levels by suggesting lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. If your type 2 diabetes doesn’t respond to these lifestyle changes, or if you have type 1 diabetes, she can prescribe you insulin in order to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level.
How is anxiety managed?
If you have anxiety that’s interfering with your ability to function in your daily life, Dr. Mope will recommend psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Demonstrably safe and effective medications for treating anxiety include:
• Antidepressants
• Benzodiazepines
• Buspirone
For psychotherapy, Dr. Mope might refer you to a cognitive behavioral therapist who will engage with you in a short-term treatment to teach you specific skills for managing your anxiety.
How is COPD managed?
There is a wide range of methods that Dr. Mope can administer to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The first and most important step is to stop smoking. Dr. Mope can help you with this by recommending nicotine replacement products, medications, or a support group.
More advanced stages of the disease might require medications like:
• Bronchodilators
• Inhaled steroids
• Oral steroids
• Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors
• Theophylline
• Antibiotics
Dr. Mope might also recommend lung therapies such as oxygen therapy or a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
How is high cholesterol managed?
If you’re living with high cholesterol, this first thing Dr. Mope does is recommend lifestyle changes such as improving your diet or exercising more. If your cholesterol levels are still high after healthy lifestyle changes, Dr. Mope might prescribe one of the following classes of medications:
• Statins
• Bile-acid-binding resins
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• PCSK9 inhibitors
Dr. Mope will work with you to pick a medication that’s best-suited to your age, health, and personal needs and preferences.
How is hypertension managed?
Dr. Mope can help you manage your hypertension by guiding you through some lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet with less salt, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and exercising regularly.
In addition to lifestyle changes, she might also prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure, such as:
• Calcium channel blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers