Chronic Illness
Overview
A chronic illness is a human health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects. The term chronic is often applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. In medicine, the opposite of chronic is acute. A chronic course is further distinguished from a recurrent course; recurrent diseases relapse repeatedly, with periods of remission in between.
Classification
Chronic illnesses can be classified into four major categories: Non-communicable diseases, long-term communicable diseases, mental health illnesses, and injuries.
Non-communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally. These diseases are driven by forces that include rapid unplanned urbanization, globalization of unhealthy lifestyles, and aging of the population. They include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
Long-term communicable diseases
Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases or transmissible diseases, are illnesses that result from the infection, presence and growth of pathogenic biological agents in an individual human or other animal host. Examples of long-term communicable diseases include HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
Mental health illnesses
Mental health illnesses are conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, behavior or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect physical health. Chronic mental health conditions include depression and schizophrenia.
Injuries
Chronic injuries, also known as overuse injuries, occur when an injury or illness results in a long-term or permanent disability. This can include chronic pain resulting from injuries, as well as conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Causes
The causes of chronic illnesses are varied and can include genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. In some cases, the cause of a chronic illness may be unknown.
Genetic predisposition
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of certain chronic diseases. For example, certain mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Lifestyle choices
Lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, and smoking can also contribute to the development of chronic diseases. For example, a diet high in saturated fats and sugars can lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors, including exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants, can also contribute to the development of chronic diseases. For example, exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer.
Treatment and Management
The treatment and management of chronic illnesses can vary widely depending on the specific disease or condition. However, most chronic illnesses require ongoing medical attention and can often be managed with a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.
Medication
Medication is often used to manage the symptoms of chronic illnesses. For example, insulin is used to manage diabetes, and certain medications can help manage the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can also play a significant role in managing chronic illnesses. For example, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage the symptoms of heart disease and diabetes.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to manage a chronic illness. For example, a person with severe heart disease may require a heart bypass surgery.
Impact on Quality of Life
Chronic illnesses can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. They can lead to physical discomfort and pain, as well as emotional distress. Chronic illnesses can also lead to disability and premature death.