Ill Health

Question 1

What is a chronic illness?

Answer 1

Chronic illness comes on more slowly and lasts for a long period of time, sometimes a lifetime. Often physical symptoms can be treated with medication, but not usually cured. Examples include:
> diabetes
> arthritis
> asthma
> heart disease
> bipolar disorder

Question 2

How do you manage a chronic illness?

Answer 2

The key to managing chronic illness is to address the negative impacts on the whole person - to make sure physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs are met. For example, for a child with a chronic condition, this might mean using medication to control symptoms, continued schooling while in hospital, counselling to help with negative emotions and opportunities to socialise with other young people.

Question 3

Possible negative effects of chronic illness.

Answer 3

Physical: 
> poor rate of growth
> unusual physiological change during puberty
> restricted movement
Intellectual:
> disrupted learning because of missing school
> difficulties in thinking and problem solving
> memory problems
Emotional:
> negative self-concept
> stress
Social:
> isolation
> loss of independence
> difficulties developing relationships

Question 4

What is an acute illness?

Answer 4

Acute illness starts quickly and lasts for a short period of time. Examples include bacterial and viral infections and heart palpitations. Since acute illnesses are short-lived, any negative effects are usually short term and usually people recover completely.

Question 5

How do you manage an acute illness?

Answer 5

Physical symptoms of acute illness, such as bacterial infection, pain and fever, can often be treated in the short term with medication.

Question 6

Links between acute and chronic illness

Answer 6

Long-term conditions, such as chronic heart disease, may lead to acute illness, such as heart attack.