Chronic Illness Care in Plano, TX

Chronic illnesses are health conditions that generally develop over time and last for more than three months. Many chronic illnesses last for years and do not have a cure. Fortunately, thanks to modern medicine, there are a wide variety of treatment options available that can help improve and manage many chronic health conditions. If you or your loved one are battling a persistent infection, depression, or high cholesterol, it may be time to seek medical attention. At Nest Family Medicine, family practitioner Dr. PritiRanjan can perform a thorough health exam to determine a diagnosis and best form of treatment. Contact our medical practice in Plano, TX, to book your appointment today.

Some of the most common types of chronic illnesses include but are not limited to the following:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Alzheimer's disease
• Mood disorders
• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cancer

The first step to diagnosing a chronic illness is to set up an appointment with Dr. Priti Ranjan at Nest Family Medicine. Patients should bring in their medical records and a list of any medications they are currently taking. Let us know if you have any unusual symptoms such as fever, body aches and pains, and changes in mood or behavior. After performing a physical exam and reviewing your history, we may also order additional testing or lab work. We then discuss your findings with you and recommend an effective course of treatment moving forward.

Many chronic illnesses do not have a cure, so treatment typically focuses on symptom and pain management to improve your quality of life. Medical care will vary from patient to patient, depending on their disease, health history, and current symptoms. We may recommend solutions such as diet and exercise, medications, or surgery. Either way, patients with a chronic illness are encouraged to return to Nest Family Medicine as often as needed for follow-up appointments. We work hard to create a well-rounded treatment plan that works for each patient in Plano.

What is the difference between chronic disease and chronic illness?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but according to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), chronic disease is defined by the medical disease classification (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, etc.), whereas chronic illness refers to the experience of the person living the effects of chronic disease.

What does chronically ill mean?

Being chronically ill means you have a chronic disease or illness that lasts for an extended period, and in most cases, cannot be cured. However, many chronic illnesses have effective treatments to help manage the effects.

What are the top chronic illnesses?

The top three chronic illnesses are also responsible for the most deaths every year in the U.S. These are heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Is asthma a chronic illness?

Yes, asthma is considered a chronic illness (or disease). Because many people are affected by asthma their entire life, that makes it a chronic condition.

Don't live in pain and chronic suffering. Nest Family Medicine is dedicated to improving the quality of life for you and your loved ones through state-of-the-art medical care. Contact our office in Plano, TX to book an appointment with seasoned family practitioner Dr. Priti Ranjan. We offer flexible billing and accept most major insurance plans.