chronic
Spanish: Crónico/a
Description
The term 'chronic' refers to a condition that persists over a long period of time, often for the rest of a person's life. Chronic conditions can be stable but may also have periods of exacerbation or worsening symptoms.
Interpreter Notes
Interpreters should be aware that 'crónico' is often used in clinical settings to describe long-term health issues. Common variants include 'enfermedad crónica' for chronic disease. It is essential to maintain a formal register and avoid colloquial terms that may not be understood in a medical context.
Example Sentences
EN: The patient has been diagnosed with chronic hypertension.
ES: El paciente ha sido diagnosticado con hipertensión crónica.
Common Interpreter Mistakes
Confusing 'crónico' with 'agudo' (acute); misinterpreting related conditions like 'enfermedad crónica' as a temporary illness; using informal language instead of formal medical terminology.