Chronic Care Management

Chronic diseases are common, affecting about 129 million people in the United States. When left untreated, they may lead to severe medical complications. At Internists of North Dallas in Irving, Texas, board-certified internal medicine physician Nabila Aslam, MD, offers chronic care management, reducing the risk of worsening problems and restoring quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is chronic care management?

Chronic care management with Dr. Aslam at Internists of North Dallas involves medical monitoring, lifestyle changes, and often medications that reduce bothersome symptoms of a chronic disease or worsening medical problems. Chronic diseases are common, particularly among adults in the United States, but many are highly treatable with the right plan in place.

Which conditions require chronic care management?

The following ongoing medical concerns may require medically supervised chronic care management:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Thyroid disease
• Other hormone imbalances
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• Kidney disease
• Obesity
• Cancer
• Mental health disorders

It’s common to have multiple chronic diseases; 42% of Americans have two or more. Early detection and management are vital to maintaining a long, healthy, and symptom-free life.

What are the risk factors for chronic diseases?

The exact cause of chronic diseases isn’t always clear, but common risks include carrying excess weight, lack of exercise, poor dietary habits, and a family history of chronic diseases. Other risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, aging, and toxin exposure. 

Which symptoms may warrant chronic care management?

Chronic diseases don’t always cause symptoms, at least not in the early stages. Over time, however, you may develop:

• Sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, or nasal congestion
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger or thirst
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Changes in appetite
• Coughing 
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Joint pain or swelling
• Nerve damage (numbness or tingling)
• Frequent infections
• Cold or heat sensitivity
• Fatigue
• Mood changes

Not all chronic diseases cause symptoms, which is why it’s vital to have routine health screenings at Internists of North Dallas. 

Is chronic care management right for me?

Anyone with one or more chronic diseases is a candidate for chronic care management at Internists of North Dallas. To determine which disease you may have or how to best treat it, Dr. Aslam checks your vital signs, weighs you, completes a physical exam, and orders diagnostic tests (blood testing, urine tests, heart or lung function testing, imaging procedures, etc.).

What does chronic care management include?

Chronic care management at Internists of North Dallas may consist of:

• Watchful waiting
• Medically supervised weight loss
• Diet and exercise changes
• Dietary supplements 
• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription medications
• Injections
• Breathing treatments 
• Medical procedures
• Specialist referrals

Dr. Aslam personalizes a treatment that ensures an effective, long-lasting outcome and alters your plan as needed to maximize superior health and well-being. 

Schedule a chronic care management visit at Internists of North Dallas by phone or request one online today.