Chronic Diseases

Primary Care for children and adults located in Covington Township, PA

Chronic Diseases services offered in Covington Township, PA

Without ongoing care, chronic diseases increase your risk of harmful complications, like stroke. Allyson Favuzza, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, is an experienced primary care specialist. She manages diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, heart disease, and other common chronic diseases at Hometown Health Care of NEPA in Covington Township, Pennsylvania. Dr. Favuzza creates personalized health care plans for every patient to manage their symptoms and prevent complications. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What are chronic diseases?

Chronic diseases are medical conditions that require ongoing treatment. Many of these diseases can also cause complications without routine care, so regular checkups, blood work, and preventive care are essential to minimize your symptoms.

Are there different types of chronic diseases?

Dr. Favuzza treats many different chronic diseases at Hometown Health Care of NEPA, such as:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

When you have high blood pressure, the force of blood against your artery walls is too strong. This impact can weaken your blood vessel walls and increase your stroke and heart disease risk.

High cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that helps build your cells. While your body needs cholesterol, too much can clog your arteries and prevent healthy blood flow to your heart.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that damages your blood vessel walls. It occurs when glucose (sugar) builds in your blood. Usually, a hormone called insulin helps your body convert sugar into energy. If you have diabetes, you don’t have enough insulin to remove sugar from your blood.

Thyroid disorders

The thyroid is responsible for regulating your hormones. This butterfly-shaped gland helps control your mood, temperature, metabolism, digestion, and other routine processes. If you have a thyroid disorder, this gland either produces too little or too much of its hormone.

Heart disease

Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect your heart muscle and cardiovascular system. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are two of the most common types.

Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes the airways to inflame and produce excess mucus. Coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory symptoms can make breathing difficult.

Allergies

An allergy is an overreaction from your immune system to a substance that usually doesn’t spark a reaction.

Headaches and migraines

Headaches and migraines cause head pain, neck tension, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms that can disrupt your life.

Dr. Favuzza also treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can cause airflow blockages.

What are the common treatments for chronic diseases?

While every chronic disease responds to different types of treatment, most require a combination of diet and lifestyle changes. After a head-to-toe evaluation, Dr. Favuzza may recommend:

Following a healthy diet
Exercising
Taking supplements
Using medication

Regular health screenings are another essential aspect of managing chronic diseases to ensure your symptoms don’t worsen.

Call Hometown Health Care of NEPA today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about chronic diseases.