Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Young Adults

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin well.

Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your body's immune system attacks the lining of your joints.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs. It is a condition in which your airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma can be triggered by a variety of things, such as allergens, exercise, and cold air.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs are conditions in which the digestive tract becomes inflamed. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is not a chronic disease, but it can be a lifelong condition.

Eczema, psoriasis, and acne are all chronic skin conditions. Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes red, itchy, and inflamed. Psoriasis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, scaly, and thickened. Acne is a condition in which the skin produces too much oil, which can lead to the formation of pimples and blackheads.

Epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease are all chronic neurological diseases. Epilepsy is a condition in which the brain produces abnormal electrical signals that can cause seizures. Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which the brain cells that are responsible for memory and thinking are destroyed. Parkinson's disease is a condition in which the brain cells that produce dopamine are destroyed.

Coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia are all chronic heart conditions. Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter waste products from the blood. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that can form in the kidneys. Urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. All of these conditions can lead to kidney failure, but chronic kidney disease is the most common cause.

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcoholic liver disease are all chronic liver diseases. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viral infections that can damage the liver. Alcoholic liver disease is a condition that is caused by drinking too much alcohol. All of these conditions can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

HIV/AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are all chronic immune system diseases. HIV/AIDS is a viral infection that attacks the immune system. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma are all chronic blood diseases. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder in which the red blood cells are sickle-shaped. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder in which the body does not produce enough hemoglobin. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system.

Addison's disease, pituitary gland disorder, parathyroid gland disorder, diabetes, thyroid disease, and Cushing's syndrome are all chronic endocrine diseases. Addison's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Pituitary gland disorder is a condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones. Parathyroid gland disorder is a condition in which the parathyroid glands do not produce enough hormones. Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin well. Thyroid disease is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones or produces too many hormones. Cushing's syndrome is a condition in which the body produces too much cortisol.

Fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are all chronic musculoskeletal diseases. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, stiffness, and fatigue. ME/CFS is a condition that causes extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of genetic disorders that affect the connective tissue in the body.

Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease are all chronic neurological diseases. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Parkinson's disease is a condition in which the brain cells that produce dopamine are destroyed. Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which the brain cells that are responsible for memory and thinking are destroyed.

Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis are all chronic respiratory diseases. Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. COPD is a condition in which the airways become damaged and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and other organs.