Chronic

Describing a condition, disease, or process that persists or recurs over a prolonged period of time.

“Chronic” refers primarily to duration or long-term pattern, not necessarily severity. A chronic condition may be mild, well controlled, or severe and disabling.

Some chronic diseases require ongoing treatment or monitoring, while others may have periods when symptoms improve or disappear.

QUICK FACT

Chronic does not automatically mean severe. It means the condition has a long-term course.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

Acute: Acute describes a relatively short-term course, while chronic describes a prolonged or recurring course.

SEE ALSO

• Acute
• Chronic Illness
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)