chronic disease; chronic illness; old complaint
Refers to a long-standing medical condition that a person has, often managed over time. Can be used for both serious and minor recurring ailments.
He suffers from chronic lower back pain.
持病があるので、定期的に通院しています。
I have a chronic condition, so I go to the hospital regularly.
bad habit; intractable habit
Figurative use likening a persistent bad habit to a chronic illness. Often used self-deprecatingly or humorously.
遅刻が持病で、なかなか直らない。
Being late is a chronic habit of mine that I just can't seem to fix.
My grandfather has a chronic heart condition.
His habit of being late is like a chronic condition of his.
She has struggled with chronic back pain for years.
I always bring my medication for my chronic condition even when traveling.
My chronic asthma flares up when it gets cold.
急病 is an illness that strikes suddenly and unexpectedly, while 持病 is a chronic condition someone has lived with for a long time.