Question

What are the community health Problems facing the US in the 21st century

Answer 1

The biggest community health problem that the US & whole world is facing now a days is the coronavirus pandemic, which has lost more than 96000 deaths in US and more than 3 lacks deaths in the world. No particular treatment is yet known only symptomatic treatment with ventilatory support is done . FDA approved Remdesvir for the treatment of coronavirus cases. Remdesivir treatment has shown to reduce hospital stay period .

Other problems are -

1.    Hypertension — National Health Impact 12.5%

More commonly known as high blood pressure, hypertension is “a common disease in which blood flows through blood vessels, or arteries, at higher than normal pressures,” according to the National Institutes of Health. Hypertension occurs when the force against the artery walls is too high, which can cause heart attack or stroke. It can be associated with advanced age, obesity, smoking and stress. Hypertension is also known as the silent killer because it has no early significant symptoms but creates an extra load on the heart and blood vessels.

2.    Major Depression — National Health Impact 9%

Major depression, which frequently goes undiagnosed or untreated, is a mental illness characterized by a constant sense of hopelessness and despair, making it difficult to work, sleep or eat. The condition affects adults, teens and children.

3.    High Cholesterol — National Health Impact 8.6%

When levels of cholesterol are too high, fatty deposits can begin to build up in blood vessels and arteries, restricting blood flow. High cholesterol, which can be hereditary or from the result of unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

4.    Coronary Artery Disease — National Health Impact 7%

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes can all damage or injure the inner layer of coronary arteries. Over time, the damage can worsen and become coronary artery disease, putting you at much higher risk of heart attack.

5.    Type 2 Diabetes — National Health Impact 5.5%

In people with diabetes, blood sugar levels rise higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, is caused by obesity and lack of physical activity in about 90% of cases in the U.S.

6.    Substance Use Disorder — National Health Impact 3.4%

Also known as a drug use disorder, a substance use disorder involves an overuse of, or dependence on, a medication or toxin. Addiction can cause serious mental and physical injury, overdose and even death.

7.    Alcohol Use Disorder — National Health Impact 3.3%

The National Institutes of Health define alcohol use disorder as a “chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.” Very high blood alcohol levels can result in coma or death, and withdrawal from alcohol can cause hallucinations or even seizures.

8.    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — National Health Impact 3.3%

A chronic inflammatory lung disease, COPD causes airflow from the lungs to be obstructed. The primary cause of COPD is cigarette smoking.

9.    Psychotic Disorder — National Health Impact 2.9%

People with psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and delusional disorder, often have trouble maintaining a sense of reality. These disorders can have a significant detrimental impact on a patient’s quality of life.

10.    Crohn’s Disease/Ulcerative Colitis — National Health Impact 2.7%

This chronic disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Crohn’s affects your small intestine and the beginning of your large intestine. However, the disease can affect any part of your digestive tract.” This disease can lead to ulcers, abscesses, fistulas, malnutrition and more. In addition to being painful and debilitating, the condition can lead to life-threatening complications.