Almost 72 million working-age Americans--18-64 years old--live with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or depression. In 2007, almost three in 10, or more than 20 million people with chronic conditions, lived in families with problems paying medical bills--a significant increase from 21 percent in 2003, according to a new national study by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC). While problems paying medical bills are especially acute and still rising for uninsured people with chronic conditions (62%), medical-bill problems also are significant and growing among people with private insurance and higher incomes. For the more than 20 million chronically ill adults with medical bill problems in 2007, one in four went without needed medical care, half put off care and more than half went without a prescription medication because of cost concerns.
Background: The increasing prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), parallels the rise in sedentary lifestyles. MASLD is the most common form of steatotic liver disease (SLD), which represents the umbrella beneath which the vast majority of chronic liver diseases fall, including alcohol-related liver disease and their overlap. These conditions are the leading contributors to chronic liver disease, significantly impacting global morbidity and mortality.
Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease associated with pain and decreased mobility that affects advanced-age individuals, thus causing further debilitation. Radiofrequency ablation can benefit patients who are not ideal candidates for surgical intervention and for whom conservative management has been unsatisfactory. Currently, radiofrequency ablation is performed using either ultrasonography or fluoroscopy.
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), mainly caused by cigarette smoking, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States (US) and frequent asthma attacks are often exacerbated by cigarette use. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often used to quit cigarette smoking. Prevalence of COPD, asthma, cigarette use, and e-cigarette use differs between racial/ethnic groups.
Introduction: Typhoid fever is an infectious disease primarily caused by sv. Typhi ( Typhi), a bacterium that causes as many as 20 million infections and 600,000 deaths annually. Asymptomatic chronic carriers of S.
Background: Asthma is a global chronic respiratory disease with complex pathogenesis. While current therapies offer some relief, they often fall short in effectively managing symptoms and preventing exacerbations for numerous patients. Thus, understanding its mechanisms and discovering new drug targets remains a pressing need for better treatment.
