A chronic illness is a long-lasting or recurrent medical condition that can worsen over time or go into remission. According to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease and 4 in 10 adults have two or more chronic diseases.
Some examples of common chronic illnesses include:
What causes chronic illnesses?
Chronic illnesses can be caused by various factors, including:
Many chronic conditions are preventable and manageable through lifestyle changes. Eating nutritious whole foods, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy body weight, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep can all help prevent or improve outcomes.
What is it like living with a chronic illness?
Living with chronic illness can profoundly impact one's quality of life. Effects may include:
Fortunately, with the right treatment plan and support system, many people learn to adapt and live full lives despite chronic health challenges.
"I have a chronic illness, but my illness does not have me." - Janet Seahorn
I hope this overview gave you a better understanding of what living with chronic illness entails. Let me know if you have any other questions!