Significance of Chronic illness

Chronic illness is defined across multiple perspectives as a long-term health condition that requires ongoing management and treatment. It can weaken an individual's physical capacity and disrupt their ability to fulfill duties or participate in rituals, possibly leading to liberation through self-sacrifice, according to Jainism and Purana. From a scientific viewpoint, chronic illnesses may involve conditions that are persistent and often lack a cure, affecting life quality significantly, particularly in geriatric populations. Overall, chronic illness necessitates continuous care and management.

In Dutch: Chronische ziekte; In Finnish: Krooninen sairaus; In Spanish: Enfermedad crónica; In German: Chronische Krankheit

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Chronic illness'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, chronic illness signifies enduring health challenges that medicine aims to address, while also potentially obstructing ritual participation, which may lead to liberation through self-sacrifice.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry

(1) Refers to long-lasting health issues that the preparation aims to cure, emphasizing the medicine's potential efficacy.[1]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Jain concept of 'Chronic illness'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, chronic illness signifies a prolonged health issue that diminishes an individual's physical strength, thereby affecting their ability to fully experience and engage in life.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A long-term health condition that may weaken an individual's physical frame, impacting their capacity for experience and engagement.[2]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Chronic illness in scientific sources

Science Books

Chronic illness, as defined by the text, encompasses long-lasting health conditions like gastrointestinal disorders in children, significantly impacting growth, development, and quality of life, necessitating continuous medical care.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences

(1) This is a long-lasting health condition that is not contagious, and it is examined in the study to determine its relationship with the recurrence of tuberculosis.[3] (2) This type of illness can be a traumatic event that may lead to stress and potentially post-traumatic stress disorder in victims.[4] (3) This refers to a disease that persists for a long duration, and is the same as a non-communicable disease, which has a lasting impact on a person's life.[5] (4) An ongoing health condition that persists over time; chronic sclerosing sialadenitis is an example of such an illness affecting the salivary glands.[6] (5) Long-term health conditions that can significantly affect quality of life, identified as a risk factor for poor quality of life outcomes in the physical domain.[7]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.