Women’s Chronic Conditions
Living with a chronic condition can be frustrating and painful. Here at Primary Care Partners of South Bend we prevent, diagnose, and treat chronic conditions that many women are living with. Our goal is to help women manage their symptoms and treat their conditions to live a healthy lifestyle. Below are some common chronic conditions found in women.Migraine Headaches
A migraine is a common medical condition found in women that causes intense throbbing pain in the head. Migraines can also cause vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can be debilitating and last anywhere from a few hours to days. You should seek help for migraines if they occur more than once per month, disrupt your work or home life, after an injury to the head, or cause pain around the eyes and ears. While there are no known cures for migraines, you can managed them with lifestyle changes or medication.Diabetes
For women specifically, diabetes is rather common. Diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar is too high and the body cannot regulate it. There are 2 types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2. According to the American Diabetes Association, symptoms of both include increased hunger and thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent urination, nausea, wounds unable to heal properly, and unexplained weight loss or gain. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor at Primary Care Partners of South Bend. Because each type of diabetes requires unique treatment, it is essential to schedule a visit right away.Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease usually occurs in women over the age of 35, and include diseases that affect the heart. According to The American Heart Association, some common conditions include heart attack, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Symptoms to watch out for are shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, chest pain, and numbness or weakness in the arms and legs. It is important to see the doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
AIDS is a syndrome caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Although men account for the majority of AIDS cases in the United States, it is important for women to be aware of the symptoms. The HIV virus is spread through sharing drug injection needles or having unprotected sex with someone with HIV. There is a risk for infection anytime someone comes into contact with certain bodily fluids such as blood, semen, rectal fluid, breast milk, or vaginal fluids of an infected person. Importantly, AIDS cannot be spread through kissing, sneezing, sweat, or sharing toilet seats. If you have or are at risk for HIV, contact Primary Care Partners of South Bend to learn all of your options. Remember, we treat every patient with respect and dignity.Asthma
Asthma is a disease of the lungs that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest. While many people develop asthma during childhood, you can develop it at any age. Your doctor may perform a spirometry test to measure how much air and how quickly you can inhale and exhale. Then, we may prescribe medication, like an inhaler, to calm your asthma symptoms. If you think you may have asthma, contact Primary Care Partners of South Bend online or at (574) 251-1200 to schedule an appointment.Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects more women than men around the world. Some examples of chronic pain are irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. At Primary Care Partners of South Bend, we know that chronic pain is not just physical, but can also cause mental strain like stress and insomnia. With our holistic approach to health, we may treat physical symptoms like joint pain with musculoskeletal medicine and mental symptoms with medicine or counseling. It is important that women understand how to cope with chronic pain so that they can live a healthier life. If you are experiencing any form of chronic pain, call us at (574) 251-1200 or contact us online to schedule an appointment and start feeling like your best self again.
