Chronic Diseases

Definition

These are long-lasting conditions that can be controlled but not cured. They often progress slowly over time. Examples include heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Related terms

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD): These are medical conditions or diseases that are non-infectious. People cannot catch them from others; these include chronic diseases like cancer or diabetes.

Lifestyle Disease: A disease associated with the way an individual lives his life. This includes heart disease due to lack of exercise or lung cancer due to smoking.

Degenerative Disease: A condition where tissues or organs gradually deteriorate over time causing impaired function.