Debilitating diseases are those that significantly interfere with the activities of daily living. While disorders of any organ system can hinder daily living to some extent, diseases that significantly hamper the capacity for physical activity tend to be most debilitating. People with severely restricted physical capabilities typically require personal or mechanical assistance to accomplish the tasks necessary for independent living.
Arthritis
Arthritis encompasses a group of diseases that cause joint pain and an associated loss of function. The National Arthritis Foundation reports that more than 100 different types of arthritis occur. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease among Americans, affecting more than 27 million adults. With osteoarthritis, gradually progressive deterioration of the affected joints leads to advancing disability, as movement becomes increasingly painful and restricted. The joints of the spine, hands, hips and knees are most frequently affected by osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Approximately 19 million American adults report limitations in their activities due to arthritis.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a progressive lung condition in which tissue damage leads to a marked decrease in the ability to effectively extract oxygen from the air. Emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis are the two forms of COPD, which often occur simultaneously. Symptoms of COPD include persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and decreased capacity for physical activity. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of COPD. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that COPD is a leading cause of disability in the United States, and the fourth most common cause of death. More than 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD. Although COPD is an incurable disease, stopping smoking may arrest disease progression.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive loss of voluntary muscle tissue and function. Muscular degeneration leads to progressive disability. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that most people with muscular dystrophy are eventually unable to walk. Severe forms of muscular dystrophy may affect the respiratory and swallowing muscles, compromising the capacity to breathe and eat. Myotonic dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy are among the most common forms of this disease among Americans. The age of onset, severity of symptoms and disease course vary among the different forms of muscular dystrophy. Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center reports that more than 50,000 people in the United States are living with muscular dystrophy.
References
- National Arthritis Foundation: Types of Arthritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Handout on Health, Osteoarthritis
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: COPD
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Muscular Dystrophy
