About 25% of children between the ages of 2 and 8 have a chronic illness. If your child is one of them, chronic disease management can reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. At Manchester Pediatric Associates, the team of experienced pediatricians uses chronic disease management to treat various conditions, including asthma, diabetes, ADD, and ADHD. To make an appointment at the practice in South Windsor, or Tolland, Connecticut, call the nearest office today or schedule online.

request an appointment

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic disease management provides comprehensive care for illnesses that last three months or longer. There’s no way to cure a chronic disease, but with early diagnosis and intervention, it’s possible to minimize the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of future complications.

What conditions can benefit from chronic disease management?

At Manchester Pediatric Associates, the team uses chronic disease management to care for various conditions, including:

Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes your airways to swell and produce extra mucus. The excess mucus makes it difficult to breathe and can trigger a variety of symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. For some children, asthma is a minor annoyance; for others, it’s potentially life-threatening.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of chronic diseases that affect the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose (sugar). If your child’s pancreas doesn’t produce insulin or it becomes insulin-resistant, sugar can build up in their bloodstream, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

ADD and ADHD

ADD and ADHD are neurodevelopmental disorders that affect a child’s ability to focus, complete tasks, or follow instructions. Often, a combination of prescription medication, talk therapy, and healthy lifestyle changes is enough to improve your child’s behavior and performance in the classroom.

Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way your child communicates and interacts with others. It occurs on a spectrum and varies in severity. There’s no cure for autism, but early intervention can significantly improve your child’s quality of life.

What does chronic disease management involve?

At Manchester Pediatric Associates, the team tailors chronic disease management to each child’s needs.

Before designing a custom treatment plan, your child’s provider conducts a physical and a neurological exam and asks you questions about their symptoms, including their severity, when they first started, and if any activities like exercise or eating certain foods makes them worse.

If these measures don’t provide enough information, your child’s provider might order additional tests like blood work, urinalysis, or diagnostic imaging.

After making a diagnosis, the team might recommend:

  • Prescription medication
  • Regular exercise
  • Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
  • Routine checkups
  • Counseling
  • Occupational therapy
  • Behavioral therapy

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of chronic disease management, make an appointment for your child at Manchester Pediatric Associates by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.