An abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism.
Chronic conditions may be caused by external factors, such as Infectious disease
or may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as Autoimmune Disease.
In humans the word "disease" is often used more broadly to refer to any condition
that causes:
Pain.
Dysfunction.
Distress.
Social problems to the person afflicted or problems to those in contact with the
person.
Death to the person afflicted.
In a broader sense, it sometimes includes:
Injuries.
Disabilities.
Disorders.
Syndromes.
Infections.
Isolated symptoms.
Deviant behaviours.
Atypical variations of structure and function.
However in other contexts and for other purposes these may be considered distinguishable
categories.
Chronic conditions usually affect people not only physically, but also emotionally.
Living with a chronic condition can alter a persons perspective on life, as well
as their personality.
Death due to chronic condition is called “death by natural causes”.
