What makes an illness chronic?

Emma Pitts
·3 min read
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Chronic illnesses are the leading cause of death in the United States and the leading expense in America’s $4.1 trillion in yearly health care costs, officials say. But are they preventable?
Chronic illnesses are the leading cause of death in the United States and the leading expense in America’s $4.1 trillion in yearly health care costs, officials say. But are they preventable? | Yura Yarema, Adobe.com

Chronic illnesses are the leading cause of death in the United States and the leading expense in America’s $4.1 trillion in yearly health care costs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC added that 6 in 10 adults live with a chronic illness and as many as 4 in 10 adults suffer from more than one.

“Chronic diseases are estimated to kill almost 41 million people a year worldwide, making up seven out of ten deaths globally,” per the Imperial College London.

Adding that, “Of these deaths, approximately 17 million are classed as premature, with people dying significantly younger than expected on average.”

The American Health Association expects the number of Americans suffering from chronic illnesses to only increase as time goes on, with an estimated 170 million individuals to be diagnosed by 2030.

What is a chronic disease?

“Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both,” per the CDC.

Pain from a chronic illness can be eased through medical help, but oftentimes is not curable, and severity and symptoms can vary over time.

Common chronic illnesses include:

  • Heart disease.

  • Diabetes.

  • Alzheimer's.

  • Obesity.

  • Cancer.

  • Arthritis.

  • Asthma.

  • Depression.

What causes chronic diseases?

If illnesses like cancer and diabetes run in your family, the risk of getting it yourself is higher. However, a study published in PubMed Central found that genetics are not the main cause of a person getting a chronic illness.

The study looked at a person’s genetics, what they are exposed to during their life and a combination of the two.

Researchers found that although “it is clear that both factors affect disease risks,” their evidence showed that what a person is exposed to in their lifetime poses a more vital risk in causing chronic disease than their genetic history.

Not living a healthy lifestyle can increase the risk of being diagnosed with a chronic illness. “Many chronic diseases are linked to lifestyle choices that are within your own hands to change,” the New York State Department of Health said. “Eating nutritious foods, becoming more physically active and avoiding tobacco can help keep you from developing many of these diseases and conditions.”

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Are chronic illnesses preventable?

Many chronic illnesses stem from certain lifestyle choices. By adopting healthier habits, you can decrease your chances of developing such diseases and enhance your overall well-being.

The CDC recommended the following tips to decrease the chance of being diagnosed with a chronic illness:

  • Eat healthy.

  • Exercise regularly.

  • Quit smoking.

  • Take care of your oral health.

  • Get screened.

  • Get a healthy amount of sleep.

  • Understand your family history.

How to improve life with a chronic illness

Following diagnosis, it can come off as a shock that you have a chronic illness. Many chronic diseases require regular medical treatment, medication and lifestyle changes.

In order to find some comfort with a diagnosis, it is important to speak with your doctor and know your health care options to ease any pain or change in your life.

“Taking action early will help you understand and deal with the many effects of a chronic illness. Learning to manage stress will help you to maintain a positive physical, emotional and spiritual outlook on life,” per Cleveland Clinic.