Common Factors That Trigger Chronic Conditions

Common Factors That Trigger Chronic Conditions

Living with a chronic condition involves constantly managing symptoms but, more importantly, working to prevent flare-ups. Sometimes, you can successfully keep flare-ups at bay, but things don’t always go according to plan. Data indicates that about 60% of adults have lived with a chronic condition for five years. Flare-ups occur when symptoms of an underlying condition worsen and may respond to treatment. With that in mind, what could be responsible for chronic condition flare-ups? Here are some factors that trigger or worsen chronic conditions.

1. Environmental triggers

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Environmental factors can easily trigger chronic conditions like asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. External triggers can exacerbate symptoms and cause unpleasant flare-ups. Pollen, dust mites, air pollution, and other allergens are some of the worst triggers for these chronic conditions. Additionally, changes in the weather causing high humidity, barometric pressure, and temperature also trigger flare-ups. Because they are environmental elements, exposure is almost always unavoidable. For instance, when weather temperatures drop, you can take deliberate steps to maintain body warmth. When there are more pollen and allergens in the summer, it will help to wear protective nose masks outdoors.

2. Failing to adhere to regular treatment

Not adhering to recommended treatment can cause chronic conditions to flare up. Some chronic conditions require targeted treatment routines at certain times, and failing to stick to these schedules could lead to severe consequences. A typical example is diabetes which requires lifetime management of blood sugar levels. You can achieve this through daily medications taken orally or injected. Failing to stick to this treatment increases your risk of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. 

Another example is chronic tinnitus, a symptom of hearing loss. Some people may be fitted with hearing aids to mask or suppress these sounds. A tinnitus flare-up may be due to exposure to loud sounds or the consumption of unapproved medications. In case of such flare-ups, getting your ears checked out is better to rule out an aggravation of the condition. Moreover, keeping regular appointments with experienced hearing services is advisable.

3. Stress

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Stress is another trigger overlooked by many that can cause a flare-up of chronic conditions due to a hormone called cortisol. It is released greatly when the body is under stress, causing inflammation and worsening symptoms. Remember that many chronic conditions have inflammatory tendencies, which explains why stress is a huge trigger for flare-ups. For example, chronic health issues like autoimmune diseases and gastrointestinal disorders are at risk of a flare-up when under stress.

Although stress is unavoidable, there are coping mechanisms that help reduce the ripple effects. You can start by identifying the things that stress you most, so you can avoid them if possible. Being intentional about taking time off to rest and recoup can go a long way in keeping your stress levels low. The strategies you adopt may be different from another person living with the same chronic condition as you. In other words, people respond to different coping mechanisms under stress. The more you take better care of yourself, the fewer flare-ups you will have in the short to long term.