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6 Most Common Medical Conditions Affecting Adults

By Wallis Simpson | Updated: Saturday, 27 March 2021 10:25 UTC
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6 Most Common Medical Conditions Affecting Adults
6 Most Common Medical Conditions Affecting Adults

With the fast-paced life, physical ailments are becoming more and more common. Whether it’s a child, adult, or elderly person, everybody is suffering from one or another medical condition.

What makes the story sob is that several diseases are being diagnosed on an alarming level, even physicians are surprised with everyday cases. All of it is quite scary. Isn’t it? Let me highlight some of the most prevalent medical conditions so that you know what’s coming your way:

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD, is a term used to refer to conditions related to the cardiac system. It is usually used to describe the accumulation of fat as well as blood clots in the arteries. Something you should know, CVD is often a result of hypertension, obesity, excessive smoking or drinking, and persistent stress.

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease

  • Discomfort or pain in the chest
  • Cold sweats or shaking
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the shoulders, arms, upper abdomen, or jaws
  • Fatigue and nausea

Treatment Options for Cardiovascular Disease

  • Blood-thinning medicines for better circulation
  • Medicines to lower cholesterol and improve heart rhythm
  • Cardiac rehabilitation (Prescribed exercise and dietary changes)
  • Valve repair or replacement surgery
  • Coronary artery bypass

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Figure 1422.1: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that has become exceptionally common these days. According to statistics, around 1.3 million adults in the US suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Although it is found in both genders, they say it is more common in women as compared to men.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Pain in one or more joints
  • Swelling and tenderness in joints
  • Joint stiffness
  • Decreased mobility
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Recurring fever
  • Weight loss and appetite issues
  • Sleep disturbances and insomnia in severe cases

Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
  • Steroids to reduce inflammation
  • Body massage and acupressure
  • Physiotherapy to improve mobility
  • Medical marijuana for pain management

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Figure 1422.2: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that is extremely common among women of reproductive age. As mentioned by the US National Library of Medicine, 6 to 12% of women in the world suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. Although it isn’t a severe disorder, it can cause problems like infertility, obesity, and endometrium cancer if left untreated.

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

  • Irregular, missed, or very light periods
  • Hair thinning or male-pattern baldness
  • Acne and other skin disorders
  • Weight gain, especially around the belly
  • Excessive facial hair
  • Enlarged ovaries or the presence of cysts

Treatment Options for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

  • Birth-control pills
  • Ovulation-inducing drugs
  • Medicines to reduce hair growth
  • Progestin therapy to regulate periods
  • Regular exercise and a balanced diet with more greens

Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong illness in which your blood glucose levels are higher than normal. According to the World Health Organization, more than 422 million people in the world suffer from diabetes. It is common in both women and men, and no wonder both equally suffer as there is no permanent cure for the disease.

Symptoms of Diabetes

  • Losing weight without any diet or exercise
  • Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Skin-related issues; for example, excessively dry skin
  • A recurring thirst that doesn’t go away
  • Fatigue and vision problems

Treatment Options for Diabetes

  • Non-insulin medications for type 2 diabetes
  • Regular insulin in the form of pills or injections
  • Weight reduction
  • Lifestyle changes, including daily exercise and carb-free, all-natural diet

Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases, also called CRDs, are a class of diseases that involve conditions related to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension, occupational lung disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are a few chronic respiratory diseases common among adults globally.

Symptoms of Chronic Respiratory Diseases

  • Stubborn cough that doesn’t go away
  • Overproduction of mucus
  • Discomfort or pain in the chest
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Decreased ability to exercise
  • Coughing up blood in severe cases

Treatment Options for Chronic Respiratory Diseases

  • Cough syrups and painkillers
  • Antibiotics to eliminate inflammation
  • Inhalers to regulate breathing rate
  • Pulmonary rehab
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Surgery in severe cases

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that is exceptionally common in adults, given the stressful life these days. Rendering to the statistics, depression affects around 40 million adults in the US. It is a severe mood disorder that can take your life if left untreated.

Symptoms of Depression

  • Persistent feelings of sadness
  • Hopelessness and pessimism
  • Body aches and fatigue
  • Loss of interest in everyday life activities
  • Trouble concentrating and making decisions
  • Irritability or frustration
  • Anger outbursts and weeping spells
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Loss of appetite or binge eating
  • Suicidal thoughts or possible attempts

Treatment Options for Depression

  • Antidepressants
  • Benzodiazepines for sleep disturbances
  • Antipsychotics (in case of psychotic depression)
  • Psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy)
  • Light therapy to uplift mood and boost energy
  • Lifestyle changes like exercise and meditation
  • Body massage to unwind the mind and body

Besides the ones mentioned above, several other medical conditions are becoming common by the day. Due to a poor lifestyle like smoking, drinking, limited physical activity, unhealthy diet, and more, people are now exposed to certain medical conditions more than ever.

In such a scenario, I would say prevention is better than cure. Improving your lifestyle can certainly save you from a lot of medical conditions. For example, experts say that diabetes can be reversed by following a healthy diet and exercise routine.

The Takeaway

It’s scary how everyone is sick these days, one way or the other. What’s more concerning is the fact that all these diseases are now hitting adults, it’s not only old age that brings along health decline.

For this, I would suggest you get yourself checked once every few months to stay on the safer side. I wish you well, my pals!

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