In this colorful world, some "minor diseases" have quietly entered our lives like uninvited guests. They may not be dangerous enough to pose a direct threat to life, but they are a part of our lives that cannot be ignored.
These minor illnesses are like pebbles in life, although they do not cause people to fall, but they are enough to make people stumble. Today, let's walk into the world of these minor diseases, understand them, prevent them, and hope that everyone can be healthy and stay away from these invisible interferences.
1. Psoriasis: the enemy of appearance, with 125 million patients worldwide
Psoriasis, commonly known as "psoriasis", is a minor condition on the skin that can be large or small. You see, it doesn't kill people, but it's enough to annoy people.
Patches of erythema and scales appear on the patient's skin, like small pieces of silver, scattered all over the body, and it is no wonder that some people feel as if they are wearing a "silver coat".
However, this garment is not popular, as it not only affects the appearance, but can also cause itching, and in severe cases, affect the nails and joints, making it difficult to walk.
Did you know that there are about 125 million people in the world who are struggling with psoriasis, and in our greater China, the incidence rate is about 0.5%, and that number is still going up.
The causes of psoriasis are quite complex, it may be genetic, it may be the environment, it may even be your mood, when you are stressed, it will knock on the door.
So far, scientists have not found a cure once and for all, and can only rely on drug control, long-term medication, so that it is less rampant.
2. Allergic rhinitis: the nasal mucosa is restless in all seasons
When it comes to allergic rhinitis, it's a head-scratching ailment. All year round, it may come to the door, pollen in spring, fallen leaves in autumn, and dust and mites in the house are "good friends" of allergic rhinitis.
People who suffer from this disease are like a little elf living in their noses, and they accidentally "chirp" and sneeze, and their noses are like turning on a faucet, and their noses are stuffed like cotton.
Don't look at it inconspicuous, allergic rhinitis can be very similar to a cold, but it is "more cunning" than a cold, people will get better after a cold, while allergic rhinitis is sometimes good and sometimes bad, which makes people unpreventable.
It won't give you a fever or chills like a cold, but it can make your day hard. There is no cure for allergic rhinitis, you can only rely on drugs to relieve the symptoms, and you have to rely on daily protection, for example, for those known allergens, you have to stay away from them, just like hide and seek, if you hide it, they can't find you.
Here, we also have to mention some habits in life, such as drinking less alcohol, eating less high-purine foods, don't make yourself too tired, don't freeze, drink less drinks with fructose, drink more water, keep slim, eat more vegetables, regular work and rest, and regular exercise.
3. Chronic bronchitis: a long-term battle against the insidious respiratory system
Chronic bronchitis, as the name sounds a bit heavy, is one of the common types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the kind of disease that can take root in your airways without notice. Patients often cough, produce phlegm, and suffer from shortness of breath, which can be unrefreshing.
Tobacco smoke, air pollution, occupational dust and chemical exposure, these are its "good friends", long-term inhalation of these things, bronchial inflammation, over time into chronic bronchitis.
This minor illness is not a joke, it can make the lung function slowly decline, and in severe cases, it can even develop into emphysema and even heart disease.
So, while it won't kill you right away, it's definitely not to be taken lightly. To prevent and treat chronic bronchitis, the most important thing is to stay away from tobacco, whether it is active or passive smoking, it is a big taboo.
In addition, air quality also has a great impact on the bronchial tubes, so living in a place with clean air is beneficial to your health if you can.
In terms of treatment, although there is no cure, it can effectively control symptoms and improve quality of life through medication and respiratory therapy. The most important thing is that once the diagnosis is confirmed, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's instructions, have regular check-ups, and use drugs reasonably. To put it bluntly, it is necessary to have a good relationship with the doctor, visit regularly, and don't make your own decisions.
Fourth, the "three highs": the invisible killer under metabolic syndrome
The "three highs", that is, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids, these three words appear frequently in modern people's lives and are no longer unfamiliar. They are the three hallmarks of metabolic syndrome and are representative of modern diseases.
In China, according to the 2018 data of the China Cardiovascular Disease Report, the prevalence of hypertension in adults is about 23.2%, and this number is increasing year by year. The situation of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia is also not optimistic, and the number of people with diabetes and dyslipidemia is increasing at an alarming rate.
These "three high" diseases are like time bombs lurking in the body, and if they are not dismantled in time, they will explode sooner or later. They can quietly damage multiple organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, causing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and even leading to sudden death. So, while they aren't immediately fatal, if not managed well, the consequences can be devastating.
The key to preventing and controlling the "three highs" lies in lifestyle changes. The first thing is to eat a diet that is low in salt, sugar, and fat, with more vegetables and fruits, and less fried foods and sweets.
Secondly, maintain a proper weight, obesity is a friend of the "three highs", and losing weight can help you stay away from these diseases. In addition, regular exercise, half an hour of moderate-intensity exercise at least five days a week, can effectively lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Finally, quit smoking and limit alcohol, tobacco and alcohol not only harm the liver, but also damage to the cardiovascular system cannot be ignored.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease: After a meal is not happiness, but bitterness
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, the name may be a bit of a twist, but the symptoms described are "heart headaches" after many people eat them. After eating, the acid and food in the stomach gush up unhonestly, heartburn, chest tightness, and even something seems to be stuck in the throat, which are all discomforts caused by gastroesophageal reflux.
Although this disease does not directly take life, it can greatly reduce the quality of life, especially after enjoying food, which can be transformed into unspeakable pain.
The occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease is related to a variety of factors such as sphincter dysfunction, delayed gastric emptying, and dietary habits. In order to alleviate this condition, in addition to medication, it is also important to adjust your diet.
Eating less greasy, spicy, alcohol, and other irritating foods, eating small and frequent meals, and avoiding satiety have a significant effect on reducing reflux. In addition, it is equally important to maintain a reasonable weight, as abdominal obesity can increase intra-abdominal pressure and exacerbate reflux.
6. Depression: Invisible pain of the soul
Depression, which is a common mental health problem, is often not taken seriously. It does not have obvious physiological symptoms like a cold and fever, but it can invisibly erode people's minds. People may experience persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and even suicidal thoughts.
The harm of depression is not limited to emotions, but also affects people's social, work and quality of life. In the face of depression, what we need is not only medication, but more importantly, the understanding and support of society.
Positive psychological counseling and treatment, the care of family and friends, and the improvement of self-awareness are all important factors in overcoming depression. The increased awareness of depression in society can help more people detect symptoms early and seek help in time.
summary
These chronic diseases may not directly "kill people", but they may become long-term problems that affect the quality of life. Therefore, we need to recognize them in the right way, prevent them, and make our lives better. This requires not only the efforts of individuals, but also the support and cooperation of families, society and even the entire healthcare system.
Only in this way can we truly keep these "uninvited guests" out of the door and live a healthy and energetic life.