National Nursing Review : Nursing Study Resources & Health Tips » chronic illness http://nationalnursingreview.com Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:42:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Coping with chronic illness http://nationalnursingreview.com/2011/01/coping-with-chronic-illness/ http://nationalnursingreview.com/2011/01/coping-with-chronic-illness/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:34:56 +0000 admin http://nationalnursingreview.com/?p=2080 Having a disease of any type whatsoever, and is a setback. But if the top is chronic problems to lead a normal life are emphasized. Here we tell you how to deal with a chronic illness in which mood and motivation are essential.

chronic illness

Chronic illness means one of the most serious health problems in developed countries, affecting more than 25% of the population and have become the leading cause of death.

Say a chronic illness is a disease of long duration or cure of which so clearly can not be foreseen, or even can know that will never happen. But to cope with chronic illness, the patient must have time, patience, support and willingness to participate in the care of their health.

These are the basic tips for a patient to learn to live with a chronic illness. Furthermore, it should become an “active patient”, promoting their participation in making decisions about their health and disease.

However, medical and technological advances have considerably lengthened life expectancy in society. This coupled with the aging population has led to an increase of the phenomenon of chronic diseases.

In general, we can say that knowledge of the disease and face it as best as possible are very important steps that the treatment is as effective as possible, and the battle against chronic illness more bearable as possible.

Although hereditary factors also influence the development of chronic diseases, it is a common medical conditions that are acquired through an inappropriate lifestyle (snuff consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity …). Also, the list of most prevalent chronic diseases, except cancer, are cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, mental illness, spine problems and arthritis.

]]> http://nationalnursingreview.com/2011/01/coping-with-chronic-illness/feed/ 0 Effects of chronic illness on sexuality http://nationalnursingreview.com/2008/07/illness-on-sexuality/ http://nationalnursingreview.com/2008/07/illness-on-sexuality/#comments Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:30:19 +0000 admin http://nationalnursingreview.com/?p=78
  • Arthritis has no direct effect on sexual function, arthritic symptoms can inhibit sexual function. Treatment with steroids to control arthritis can reduce sexual interest or desire.
    The progressive disfigurement may cause changes in body image.

    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: Opposition to the stimulating effect of androgens on the brain and sex organs (caused by treatment with steroids).
  • cardiovascular accident (stroke) causes no direct impairment of sexual function disorders are common even in the erection and decreased frequency of intercourse and sexual intercourse.
    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: Changes in the role of the patient or her partner, fear of relapse or sudden death.

  • Cardiovascular Disease: The deterioration of sexual functioning limits the quality of life of 34 – 75% of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). No direct physical effect on sexual function in men, although only 25% of post-MI patients regain their level of sexual activity prior to IM, 25% resumed sexual activity. Women are less likely to experience sexual problems.

    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: Depression, anxiety, fear of sudden death or relapse by the patient or partner.
  • prostatectomy: Effect dependent on the type of surgery. Underwent radical prostatectomy, 458 men with prostate cancer, 51 were potent after surgery and 32% of them underwent bilateral nerve sparing prostatectomy.After TURN, 15 – 40% of men have erectile dysfunction, most experienced retrograde ejaculation.
    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: With greater psychological mediation philological, surgical removal of the bladder neck, surgical interruption of nerves.


  • Gynecological disorders: infections, bleeding or vaginal or urethral pruritus.
    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: Decreased production of estrogen.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Does not cause direct damage, but sexual activity may be affected by dyspepsia or coughing. For erection difficulties.
    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: activity intolerance, anxiety or fear associated with dyspepsia, cough.
  • Diabetes: In the male does not affect sexual interest or desire. 60% of men have erectile dysfunction. Some recover erectile ability, apparently related to the manner in which each individual accepts the diagnosis. In women, less sexual desire and / or decreased vaginal lubrication. Decrease orgasmic capacity or lower frequency of sexual activity. Also in women, the rate of decline associated sexual acceptance of the disease is lower.
    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: Neuropathy and / or vascular injury.
  • Malignancies, Breast: No direct effect but the psychological effects can be profound depression, loss of sexual desire and sexual dysfunction.
    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: Disorders of body image, depression, reaction of the couple.
  • The other types of cancer : Both the man and woman can temporarily lose their sex drive. In women vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. In males, decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation or dry.
    • Assumption pathogenic mechanism: Anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, chemotherapy, radiation, pelvic surgery, anti-estrogen treatment, removal of the testes, hormonal treatment and nerve injury after pelvic surgery.
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