What Actually is a Chronic Disease?

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Some of you reading this blog probably know the definition of a chronic condition, or at least something along the right lines, especially if you have a condition of your own. There is a chance, however, that what you think makes a chronic condition, isn’t completely correct, or that you simply don’t know (which is totally valid).  

I write this because of a small piece of research I carried out. A few weeks ago, I made a quick survey asking about chronic conditions – if people knew what they were, if they knew anybody with one etc.  

100% of those that answered said they knew what a chronic condition was. However, the next question asked them to write their own definition, and some answers weren’t quite correct. 

The first common misconception was that a chronic condition is one you’re born with. While you can be born with a chronic condition, many develop later in life, even at retirement age. You can also, however, be more likely to develop certain chronic conditions later in life because of your genes (genetic disposition). 

The next misconception was one that I actually believed myself for a while. ‘A chronic condition is one that you have for life or is permanent, everlasting.’ This is not fully true. A health condition can be defined as chronic if it lasts for as short a time as three months. While they can often be life-long, a condition doesn’t have to last that long to be chronic. 

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There were quite a few answers to my survey that got parts right, however. One such answer is that chronic conditions usually can’t be fully cured with medication – only managed. Some chronic conditions can be made a lot better and more manageable with medication, and even be put into remission, but not fully cured. 

Another common correct element was that chronic conditions can affect/limit everyday activities. This again is true, chronic conditions can impact upon daily lives – even if they are in remission. As already mentioned, they also often require long-term medication, which can come with its own complications – such as strict schedules or side effects. 

So, to conclude, a chronic disease is a condition that lasts for at least three months, can impact upon daily life and limit activities, can be managed but not cured through medication and may get worse over time.