Chronic Diseases - Management and Treatment

Long-lasting medical conditions that require ongoing management and treatment to maintain health and quality of life.

Chronic Diseases FAQ

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What is a chronic disease?

A chronic condition (also known as chronic disease or chronic illness) is a health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects or a disease that comes with time. The term chronic is often applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months.

What are some common chronic diseases?

Common chronic diseases include diabetes, functional gastrointestinal disorder, eczema, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders and some viral diseases such as hepatitis C and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An illness which is lifelong because it ends in death is a terminal illness.

How many people die from chronic diseases?

Chronic illnesses cause about 70% of deaths in the US and in 2002 chronic conditions (heart disease, cancers, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, mental illness and kidney diseases) were six of the top ten causes of mortality in the general US population.

How does a chronic illness affect a person's health?

With other chronic illnesses, it may be difficult to participate in everyday activities or the condition may be progressive, getting worse with time. It’s important to understand that some people with chronic illnesses face invisible obstacles and may look completely healthy on the outside.