What are considered chronic diseases?
Chronic diseases can be described as being long-term illnesses with multiple risk factors that can result in functional impairment or disability. Most chronic diseases are not resolved quickly or completely, with some being immediately life-threatening while others persist over time but most tend to be difficult to manage and require input from a number of different health professionals.
What are some examples of chronic diseases?
Examples of some chronic diseases can include:
- Ischaemic heart disease (also known as coronary heart disease)
- Stroke
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Depression
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Oral disease
How do I know if I have a chronic disease?
The best way is to make an appointment to see your doctor to be assessed and together plan any required treatment.