Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term disease that affects the central nervous system. If you have MS, you are more likely to develop other conditions, including depression, high blood pressure, and lung disease. Doctors call this 'comorbidity.' These comorbidities can sometimes delay your MS diagnosis and may cause your MS to progress faster. Managing these comorbidities makes dealing with MS more complicated. Depression and anxiety are among the most common comorbidities of MS. Depression affects nearly 24% of people with MS, and anxiety affects about 22%. Sticking to your MS treatment plan and regular exercise can help alleviate these symptoms. High blood pressure is also common in people with MS, affecting 17% to 30% of patients. Reducing salt intake, increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet, and daily exercise can help manage high blood pressure. High cholesterol is also linked to MS and may lead to faster disease progression. Ask your doctor about medications and lifestyle changes to control high cholesterol. About 10% of people with MS have chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you have breathing problems, tell your doctor; they can recommend treatments and breathing exercises. Many people with MS have gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Lifestyle changes can help manage these problems. Vision problems are also common in MS but rarely lead to permanent blindness. People with MS are more likely to have other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid diseases. Osteoporosis is also common in some MS patients due to lack of exercise. Ask your doctor about bone density screenings, calcium supplements, and exercise recommendations.