What it means
An illness that lasts a long time and needs ongoing care, such as diabetes mellitusdy-uh-BEE-teez MEL-ih-tusA long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.Full entry , heart failurehart FAYL-yerA long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.Full entry , COPDsee-oh-pee-dee (said as letters)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.chronic long-lastingobstructive blockingpulmon/o lung-ary relating toFull entry , arthritis or chronic kidney diseaseKRON-ik KID-nee dih-ZEEZKidney damage or reduced kidney function that lasts longer than three months.Full entry . It may have quiet periods and flare-ups (exacerbationig-zas-er-BAY-shunA time when a long-term disease suddenly gets worse, or its symptoms flare up.Full entry ). Living with it affects work, family, money and mood, so care focuses on self-management and quality of life.
For the nurse
Teach self-management skills (medicines, diet, warning signs), set goals with the client, and screen for depression. Involve family and community resources.
At a glance
| Spanish | enfermedad crónica |
|---|---|
| Also written | chronic illnesses, chronic-illness |
Related terms
exacerbation
A time when a long-term disease suddenly gets worse, or its symptoms flare up.
self-care
The things people do for themselves to look after their own health and daily needs.
palliative care
Care that relieves pain, other symptoms and stress for people with serious illness, at any stage and alongside other treatment.
chronic
Lasting a long time or coming back again and again, usually for three months or more.
remission
A period when the signs and symptoms of a disease lessen or disappear.