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Chronic

By Elizabeth Boskey, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: June 26, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: A chronic disease is one characterized as:
  • long lasting
  • recurring
    and/or
  • slow to develop

    as opposed to acute

Examples: Diabetes is, for most people, a chronic condition.

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