Chronic Illness Flashcards
What are some reasons for the rapid rise of chronic illness? (4)
- Aging population
- Advances in diagnostic technology and treatment options
- Longer life expectancy due to improved medical care for infectious diseases
- Lifestyle changes
What are some health consequences of chronic illnesses?
- Difficulty with ADLs
- Lifting opjects
- Climbing stairs
- Significantly higher hospitalization rates
- More ER visits
- Cost of healthcare higher than those without chronic illnesses
Strategies for successful management of chronic illnesses
- Better coordination & support of people with chronic conditions & their caregivers
What is chronic illness?
Generally incurable illnesses or conditions that require ongoing medical attention and affect a person’s daily life.
Are chronic illnesses preventable?
Yes, they usually are
How is chronic illnesses managed
- By the individual
- Good health care from clinicians
- Help from family members
- Other informal caregivers
What are some most costly and prevalent chronic conditions? (6)
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- depression
- cardiovascular/ heart disease
- Diabetes
What are some disadvantages / side effects of advances in treatment of infectious diseases
- Individuals with chronic conditions are living longer
What are some factors that contribute to higher rates of chronic illnesses?
- Smoking
- Changes in exercise habits
- Longer life expectancy
- Advances in treatment of chronic diseases cause more people to be screened & diagnosed
- Broadened definition of chronic illness
- Obesity
- Greater awareness by both provider and public
What is a condition that is more likely to affect older individuals?
Diabetes, particularly type 2 which typically begins in adulthood & is often associated with obesity
Are all chronic illnessses on the rise?
No- conditions like CHF, dementia, hip fx, kidney diseases excluding end stage renal disease are on the decline
(see bottom of pg 14 of the hand out)
Who is more likely to have chronic diseases? (3)
Everyone but some demographic groups are more vulnerable
- Older Americans
- Minorities more at risk for DM, HBP & stroke
- Low income older adults (50+)
The risk of dementia rises steadily with age. True / False
True
3 Chronic conditions that afflict individuals younger than 50 and do not become significantly more prevalent with age
- COPD
- Rhumatoid Arthritis
- Kidney diseases (not including end stage renal disease)
(middle column of text in pg 15 of the reading)
What are some concequences of chronic diseases?
- Reduced quality of life
- Increased health risk
- Greater financial cost for people and those who pay their bills (medicaid / Medicare)
