How is a chronic disease defined?

A chronic disease is characterized as a long-lasting condition that typically persists for three months or more and may require ongoing management. While some chronic diseases can be managed and controlled through medical treatment, lifestyle changes, or other therapies, they are not considered curable. This means that individuals may experience symptoms or challenges associated with the condition over an extended period, often affecting their daily lives and requiring a consistent approach to care.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not align with the nature of chronic disease. A temporary illness that resolves quickly is indicative of an acute condition. Limiting chronic diseases to only elderly individuals overlooks the fact that many chronic conditions can be prevalent in younger populations as well. Lastly, suggesting that a chronic condition improves solely with medication fails to acknowledge the complexity of chronic diseases, which often require a multifaceted approach beyond just pharmaceutical intervention.