Definition: A chronic disease is one that continues once you get it. It does not usually go away for a long time, if ever, and cannot be cured. Asthma is an example of a chronic disease for which there is no cure. But just because a disease is chronic, it doesn't mean that you can't have quality of life with it.
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By Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N., About.com
Updated: February 28, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
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