Services
Management of and optimization of chronic disease
Chronic disease refers to medical conditions that last approximately one year or more and require long-term treatment. Dr Dreyer helps manage and optimize chronic diseases, including:
Diseases that may affect the heart include:
- Heart failure
also called congestive heart failure, is a long-term condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood well enough to meet the body’s needs all the time. When the heart is unable to pump blood properly as it should, it can damage other organs, and there may be fluid build up in the lungs.
Signs and symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, leg weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeats (palpitations), bloating and swelling in your ankles, legs and abdomen. - Renal failure
Also called kidney failure, is a medical condition where one or both the kidneys are not able to function on their own. In some cases, renal failure may be temporary and occurs quickly. In other cases, renal failure may be a chronic condition that may progress slowly over a long period. This condition may be caused by autoimmune diseases, certain medications, severe dehydration, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Renal failure may cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle spasms, poor appetite, confusion or trouble concentrating, more frequent bathroom trips, upset stomach or vomiting, and swelling, especially around the hands and ankles. - Asthma
This is a medical condition where the airways become narrow and swollen, resulting in the production of extra mucus. This may lead to breathing difficulties and trigger coughing, wheezing (a whistling sound) when breathing, and shortness of breath. Asthma may also cause other symptoms such as difficulties sleeping and chest tightness or pain. - COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of progressive lung diseases. The most common progressive lung diseases may include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Bronchitis causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which then results in mucus buildup. Emphysema gradually destroys the air sacs in the lungs, which then results in a disturbance in outward airflow. Symptoms may include wheezing, chest tightness, the need to clear your throat more often, fatigue, weight loss, and swelling of the ankles, feet or legs. - Chronic liver disease
Also known as cirrhosis, is a condition where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This then prohibits the liver from working properly like it. Chronic liver disease is a long-term condition where the damage to the liver gradually builds up. Chronic liver disease may cause symptoms such as fluid buildup in the abdomen, vomiting blood due to bleeding in the blood vessels in the oesophagus (food pipe), kidney failure, fatigue, gallstones and confusion due to toxins buildup in the blood.
Management of chronic diseases
It is essential that you seek medical attention as soon as you feel you are less able to cope with your daily activities. Early intervention may assist you in understanding and dealing with a lot of the effects of chronic disease. Through managing chronic disease, Dr Dreyer may help slow down the progression of your condition and assist in controlling the symptoms. He will create a comprehensive care plan which includes your health issues and goals, other health providers you might need, your medication and other information pertaining to your health care needs. Dr Dreyer may provide referrals to specialists, when necessary, as well as follow up should you need hospitalization.