1.
chronic illness; chronic condition
An ongoing medical condition that one has had for a long time and may continue to have.
持病の喘息が悪化した。
My chronic asthma got worse.
持病があるので定期的に病院に通っている。
I go to the hospital regularly because I have a chronic condition.
持病がなければ保険に入りやすい。
It's easier to get insurance if you don't have a chronic illness.
WORD FORMATION:
持つ (to have) + 病 (illness) → illness one has = chronic condition
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 持病がある - to have a chronic condition
- 持病を抱える - to be living with a chronic illness
- 持病が悪化する - for a chronic condition to worsen
COMMON CHRONIC CONDITIONS:
- 糖尿病 - diabetes
- 高血圧 - high blood pressure
- 喘息 - asthma
- 腰痛 - chronic back pain
USAGE NOTE:
Often mentioned when filling out medical forms, insurance applications, or when explaining one's health situation.