Chronic Conditions
Chronic Conditions are those can be considered in most cases to be life threatening without appropriate treatment.
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ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE - And other causes of dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the commonest cause of dementia in people aged over 65. Other causes are vascular dementia and a number of less common diseases. As the number of Australians living longer continues to increase, the number of people affected by dementia will continue to rise. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, there is a lot that can be done to support people with these conditions and their carers.
Alzheimer's Fact Card [
135 KB]
ASTHMA
Asthma can be well controlled by avoiding trigger factors (see Asthma Fact Card) and using asthma medications. There are four main types of asthma medicines: relievers, preventers, symptom controllers and combination medicines.
ASTHMA MEDICINES
Asthma can be well controlled by avoiding trigger factors (see Asthma Fact Card) and using asthma medications. There are four main types of asthma medicines: relievers, preventers, symptom controllers and combination medicines.
Asthma Medicines Fact Card [ 193 KB]
BACK PAIN
Most back pain is caused by minor strains in the joints, muscles and ligaments which usually settle without treatment. However, even mild back pain is a warning sign that special care is needed to prevent more serious problems.
DIABETES TYPE 1
Diabetes causes high blood glucose levels and serious changes in metabolism. A person with type 1 diabetes needs daily insulin injections to stay alive, as their pancreas cannot make insulin, the hormone that enables body cells to use glucose (a type of sugar) for energy.
Diabetes Type 1 Fact Card [ 167 KB]
DIABETES TYPE 2
Diabetes causes high blood glucose levels and serious changes in metabolism. Type 2 diabetes results from problems with the way the body produces or responds to insulin, the hormone that enables body cells to use glucose (a type of sugar) for energy.
Diabetes Type 2 Fact Card [ 167 KB]
EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is a common condition, which affects about 2% of Australians. Epilepsy results in recurring seizures (fits). If you have epilepsy, there are things you can do to help yourself. Learning about the type and particular pattern of seizures will help gain the best control of your epilepsy, allowing you to live a full and active life.
GOUT
Gout is a type of arthritis. People who get gout usually have a high level of uric acid (urate) in their blood, which can form crystals in joints and surrounding tissue. The most common site to get gout is in the big toe. Other areas can also be affected, e.g. elbows, hands and knees. Gout most commonly affects middle-aged men. Gout can come on very quickly, often at night. The pain can be severe and cause great disability.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - Also called HYPERTENSION
Everyone has blood pressure. Pressure is needed to get blood around your body. It is created by your heart pushing the blood through the blood vessels of your body. People have high blood pressure when their blood pressure is constantly higher than is needed, even when they are relaxed and sitting quietly. Maintaining blood pressure at the right level for you will help keep your heart healthy.
High Blood Pressure Fact Card [ 224 KB]
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. It affects over one million Australians. People with osteoarthritis usually have inflammation, joint pain and stiffness. Despite these challenges, most people with osteoarthritis can lead active and full lives. Learning self-care and having a good health attitude can make all the difference to how you feel. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which treatments are best for you. Remember you can enjoy good health despite having the disease.
Osteoarthritis Fact Card [ 208 KB]
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease in which the amount of calcium present in the bones reduces over time and the bone loses density (causing thinning of the bones). The bones become so weak that even a slight fall can cause a fracture (break). While some bone thinning is normal as we get older, osteoporosis is not inevitable even if there is a family history. A special bone density test can detect osteoporosis. People should check to see if they are at risk and talk to a doctor or pharmacist about what steps they can take to prevent osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Fact Card [ 182 KB]
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune system disorder which causes swelling, pain and stiffness in joints. It can lead to joint deformity and may also affect other body organs. Treatment includes medicines, joint care and liftstyle changes and if startd early, it can prevent or limit joint damage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Fact Card [ 179 KB]
