How is an illness classified as chronic?

An illness is classified as chronic when it lasts longer than three months. This duration helps distinguish chronic conditions from acute ones, which are typically of shorter duration and may resolve on their own or with treatment. Chronic illnesses often require ongoing management and can significantly affect a person's quality of life due to their prolonged nature. The classification of three months is commonly used in medical practice to provide a clear threshold for identifying conditions that persist over a significant period, signaling the need for continued medical attention and possibly lifestyle adjustments for effective management.