Chronic diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases, are long-term conditions that typically progress slowly and may have multiple causes and risk factors. Examples of chronic diseases include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health disorders. These diseases are a significant global health challenge and are responsible for a significant burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.
Not just one approach is enough to manage them effectively and research have proven that an integrated healthcare system is need of the hour. Allopathy approach along with alternative medicine approach like Acupuncture & Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, yoga, natural herbs and methods etc can be a better way to work in an integrated way. In Israel, doctors are using integrated approach in cancer management by involving herbal and other natural treatments along with regular treatment with significant improvement in patient condition and better recovery rate.
Few of the Chronic diseases which requires INTEGRATED TREATMENT APPROACH
Cardiovascular disease: A group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.
Hypertension: High blood pressure that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
Diabetes mellitus: A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin use.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe, often caused by smoking or exposure to pollutants.
Asthma: A chronic inflammation of the airways that causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness.
Chronic kidney disease: The gradual loss of kidney function over time, often associated with conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Chronic liver disease: Conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease that cause long-term damage to the liver.
Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common types.
Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weakened bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
Chronic back pain: Persistent pain in the back that can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, disc herniation, or spinal stenosis.
Fibromyalgia: A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood issues.
Chronic migraine: Recurring migraines that cause severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: A complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Chronic gastritis: Ongoing inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to stomach pain, bloating, and indigestion.
Chronic sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for an extended period, causing symptoms such as facial pain, congestion, and headaches.
Chronic bronchitis: A form of COPD characterized by a persistent cough with sputum production for at least three months in two consecutive years.
Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches that can be itchy and painful.
Eczema: A chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches.
Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs): Repeated infections in the urinary tract that can cause discomfort, pain, and frequent urination.
Chronic venous insufficiency: A condition where the veins in the legs have difficulty returning blood to the heart, leading to swelling, pain, and ulcers.
Chronic pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that persists over time, resulting in abdominal pain, digestive problems, and weight loss.
Chronic obstructive sleep apnea: A sleep disorder characterized by repetitive interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and other complications.
Parkinson’s disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and balance issues.
Alzheimer’s disease: A progressive brain disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior, eventually affecting daily functioning.
Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to varied symptoms such as fatigue, impaired coordination, and cognitive issues.
Chronic prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland that persists over time, causing pain and discomfort in the pelvic region.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, causing inflammation, joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue.
Scleroderma: A group of rare autoimmune diseases that result in the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder in women that can cause irregular periods, infertility, and the development of cysts on the ovaries.
Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain, infertility, and menstrual irregularities.
Chronic Lyme disease: A controversial condition characterized by persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties, following a Lyme disease infection.
Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Hyperthyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, resulting in weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
Chronic hepatitis: Ongoing inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections (such as hepatitis B or C) or other factors, leading to liver damage.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and causes an overproduction of white blood cells.
Hemophilia: A genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to form blood clots, leading to excessive bleeding and easy bruising.
Chronic pain syndrome: Persistent pain that lasts beyond the normal healing time and affects physical and emotional well-being.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP): A neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function due to damage to the peripheral nerves.
Chronic obstructive biliary disease: A condition that causes blockage or inflammation in the bile ducts, impairing liver function and digestion.
Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, usually affecting the big toe.
Chronic otitis media: Ongoing inflammation or infection of the middle ear, leading to recurrent earaches, hearing loss, and fluid buildup.
Chronic venous ulcer: Non-healing wounds that develop on the legs due to poor circulation and chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS): Ongoing pain and discomfort in the pelvic region, often associated with urinary and sexual dysfunction in men.
Crohn’s disease: A type of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Ulcerative colitis: Another form of IBD that primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing inflammation, ulcers, and persistent diarrhea.
Chronic rhinosinusitis: Long-term inflammation of the sinuses, leading to nasal congestion, facial pain, and postnasal drip.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): A type of cancer that affects the white blood cells, leading to their accumulation and impaired immune function.
Chronic venous thrombosis: The formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, which can cause pain, swelling, and potentially life-threatening complications if the clot dislodges.
Chronic cholecystitis: Ongoing inflammation of the gallbladder, often associated with gallstones, resulting in abdominal pain and digestive disturbances.
Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs, causing thick and sticky mucus production.
Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Chronic pancreatitis: Ongoing inflammation of the pancreas, leading to digestive problems, abdominal pain, and malabsorption of nutrients.
Polymyalgia rheumatica: An inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain, stiffness, and fatigue, primarily affecting the shoulders and hips.
Chronic venous disease: A condition characterized by impaired blood flow in the veins, leading to symptoms such as leg swelling, varicose veins, and leg ulcers.
Sjögren’s syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the moisture-producing glands, leading to dry eyes and mouth, fatigue, and joint pain.
Chronic venous hypertension: Prolonged high blood pressure in the veins, often associated with varicose veins and venous insufficiency.
Chronic proctitis: Ongoing inflammation of the rectum, causing symptoms such as rectal pain, bleeding, and diarrhea.
Chronic tension-type headache: Frequent or daily tension headaches characterized by a constant, dull pain or pressure in the head and neck.
Chronic interstitial cystitis: A long-term condition characterized by bladder inflammation, resulting in urinary urgency, frequency, and pelvic pain.
Behçet’s disease: An inflammatory disorder that causes ulcers in the mouth and genital area, as well as eye inflammation and skin lesions.
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis: Ongoing inflammation of the prostate gland without evidence of infection, leading to pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.
Chronic osteomyelitis: Persistent bone infection that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in wound healing.
Chronic allergic rhinitis: Long-term inflammation of the nasal passages due to allergic triggers, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
Chronic vestibular migraine: A subtype of migraine that causes recurrent vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.
Chronic venous leg ulcers: Non-healing wounds on the legs due to poor circulation, often associated with chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic eosinophilic leukemia: A rare form of blood cancer characterized by the overproduction of eosinophils, leading to organ damage and systemic symptoms.
Chronic bronchiectasis: A condition in which the airways become permanently dilated, leading to recurrent infections, cough, and sputum production.
Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia: A lung condition characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils, leading to persistent cough, shortness of breath, and lung infiltrates.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS): Ongoing pain and discomfort in the pelvic region, often associated with urinary and sexual dysfunction in men.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP): A neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function due to damage to the peripheral nerves.
Chronic periodontitis: Long-term inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues, leading to gum recession, tooth loss, and oral health problems.
Chronic subdural hematoma: A collection of blood between the brain and its outermost membrane, causing persistent headaches, cognitive issues, and neurological symptoms.
Chronic eosinophilic esophagitis: A chronic immune-mediated condition that causes inflammation in the esophagus, leading to swallowing difficulties, food impaction,
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A rare form of pulmonary hypertension caused by blood clots in the lungs that persist over time, leading to increased pressure on the pulmonary arteries.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease: A group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Chronic venous lymphedema: A chronic swelling of the limbs caused by a compromised lymphatic system in combination with venous insufficiency.
Chronic calcific pancreatitis: A type of chronic pancreatitis characterized by the formation of calcium deposits in the pancreas, resulting in persistent pain and digestive problems.
Chronic autoimmune hepatitis: A long-term autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and liver damage.
Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus: A form of lupus that primarily affects the skin, causing chronic rashes, lesions, and sensitivity to sunlight.
Chronic interstitial lung disease: A group of chronic lung disorders characterized by progressive scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties.
Chronic urticaria: Persistent hives or raised, itchy skin rashes that last for more than six weeks.
Chronic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): A condition in which the immune system destroys platelets, resulting in low platelet counts, increased bruising, and bleeding.
Chronic cholangitis: Ongoing inflammation of the bile ducts, often associated with conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis or recurrent bile duct infections.
Chronic primary insomnia: Persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to chronic sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue.
Chronic visceral pain syndrome: A condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain of unknown origin, which persists for at least six months.
Chronic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: A long-term lung infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus, leading to chronic cough, wheezing, and respiratory symptoms.
Chronic viral hepatitis: Ongoing inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, including hepatitis B, C, and D, leading to chronic liver damage.
Chronic tension-type headache: Frequent or daily tension headaches characterized by a constant, dull pain or pressure in the head and neck.
Chronic epigastric pain syndrome: Chronic pain located in the upper abdomen, often associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis): An autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
Chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma: A chronic eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Chronic laryngitis: Ongoing inflammation of the larynx, resulting in persistent hoarseness, voice changes, and throat discomfort.
Chronic atypical facial pain: Chronic facial pain that does not have a specific cause, often characterized by aching, burning, or stabbing sensations.
Chronic pyelonephritis: Ongoing kidney infection and inflammation that can lead to kidney damage and impaired renal function.
Chronic protracted bacterial bronchitis: A persistent bacterial infection in the bronchial tubes, causing chronic cough and respiratory symptoms.
Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia: A rare mitochondrial disorder characterized by progressive weakness and paralysis of the eye muscles, leading to drooping eyelids and double vision.
Chronic eosinophilic gastritis: A condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining due to an increased number of eosinophils, leading to abdominal pain etc.
Dr Neeraj Kaushik, Founder Kaushik Acupuncture & Complementary medicine.