Chronic illness refers to a condition that lasts 1 year or more and requires ongoing medical attention and/or limits activities of daily living. Some examples of common chronic illnesses are:
A chronic illness is defined by a few key characteristics:
In contrast, acute illnesses are short-term conditions like a cold or flu.
Living with a chronic disease often severely impacts quality of life. Effects may include:
Despite difficulties, people find ways to successfully manage chronic conditions. Helpful coping strategies include:
While chronic illness cannot be cured, early diagnosis and proactive treatment can help minimize symptoms and prevent complications. With proper self-care and medical care, many people learn how to thrive with chronic conditions.