The fact that healthcare is expensive in the United States shouldn’t surprise anyone. According to comprehensive data available from 2014, the spending on healthcare in the country is approximate $3.2 trillion every year. About 33% of the spent money goes for the most expensive medical conditions in the US.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the most expensive medical conditions in the US, going on to provide information about them and give statistics about the numbers of people visiting hospitals for treatments, as well as the costs involved. The most recent comprehensive data available for health care costs comes from 2014. Continue reading to understand how you can avoid these disorders and protect your health as well as your bank account.

A Stroke Is One of the Most Expensive Medical Conditions In the US

A Stroke Is One of the Most Expensive Medical Conditions In the US

You can suffer from a stroke when the brain does not receive the blood supply which is required and leads to cell death, along with a number of problems in the brain which can include loss of memory and muscle control. Approximately 60.3 million people are hospitalized every year for this reason.

The costs for treating a stroke was around $28 billion in 2014 but now it is estimated at around $33 billion.

Prevention

There are many methods that can help your well-being and prevent your body from having a stroke. You can do it by having a healthy diet which includes a wide range of vegetables and getting regular exercise. You will be at a high risk for a stroke if you are a smoker. Therefore you are advised to quit immediately and also limit your intake of alcohol because it is linked to an increase in the risks of strokes.

Gallbladder, Pancreatic And Liver Disease

Gallbladder, Pancreatic And Liver Disease

The gallbladder, liver, and pancreas are organs within the body which work together as part of the digestive system. Serious health problems can be caused when they become inflamed with conditions like gallstones, cirrhosis, and jaundice. Approximately 70.2 million people require hospitalizations for these conditions.

The costs for treating gallbladder, pancreatic and liver disease are calculated at $30 billion every year.

Prevention

Alcohol should be avoided or be in absolute moderation. A consultation with the doctor about any medication prescribed, along with the risks involved, is also essential because acetaminophen should not be ingested in excess. Having a balanced diet, quitting smoking and exercising regularly is a must if you want to do the best you can to prevent these illnesses.

Kidney Disease

There are natural ways to prevent Kidney failure.

Damage to the kidneys is referred to as a kidney disease. Kidney disease can occur gradually over a number of years. Kidneys have an important role when it comes to filtering the blood and producing urine. The failure of kidneys leads to one of the most expensive procedures known as dialysis. 21.3 million people are suffering from kidney disease and require hospitalization for the treatment.

Kidney disease is costing people in the US approximately $33 billion every year.

Prevention

The best way to prevent kidney disease is to have a balanced diet, reduce the consumption of sodium, maintain a healthy weight apart from quitting smoking and reducing the intake of alcohol.

Central Nervous System Disorders

When the complex interworking between the brain and spinal cord becomes affected it is known as a central nervous system disorder. These disorders can include a wide range of conditions such as polio, Bell’s palsy, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. 25 million people are hospitalized with these conditions every year.

The costs of treating central nervous system disorders are around $33 billion every year.

Prevention

People with these conditions are required not to smoke, exercise regularly, have a balanced diet but also get enough rest. They are also required to get their vision and hearing tested on a regular basis because these are the primary sources for the brain to record information. They are also required to improve their attention span by learning fresh skills. People should make efforts to prevent injuries by wearing a seatbelt when traveling and, again, avoiding alcohol especially before indulging in sports or driving. Using a helmet when cycling is also recommended, as well as having adequate protection when performing risky activities such as skating or rock climbing.

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders

These disorders affect your stomach and esophagus and examples of gastrointestinal tract disorders include GERD, dyspepsia and gastric ulcers. Around 13 million people in the United States are hospitalized every year with this condition.

The costs of treating gastrointestinal tract disorders are in the region of $35 billion every year.

Prevention

A single list of preventive measures is not available for every individual because the disorders have a wide variety. However, people who are diagnosed with this condition can do well if they follow a few diet tips. If they are suffering from peptic ulcers they should be avoiding alcohol. High-fat meals must be avoided if they have been diagnosed with GERD while inflammation of the esophagus will require them to steer clear of sour and spicy foods.

These are some of the most expensive medical conditions in the US but not the only ones that people have to deal with. Healthcare in the US is expensive and hundreds of thousands of dollars are actually spent by individuals for treatments like childbirth, hyperlipidemia, lupus and related disorders, back problems and infectious diseases. These conditions also require hospitalization and cost a lot of money.

Some of these conditions are entirely preventable but for those that aren’t, people can either utilize the preventive measures that have been suggested or be prepared with appropriate methods to help them deal with these issues.