Przewlek

Przewlek is a Polish term that designates a condition or process that is long-lasting and persistent. It is primarily used as an adjective; the related forms are przewlekły (masculine), przewlekła (feminine), and przewlekłe (neuter or plural). The noun form przewlekłość expresses the quality of being chronic, and the phrase przewlekły, przewlekła choroba is common in medical and scientific writing.

In medical contexts, przewlek describes diseases or symptoms that persist for an extended period, typically months or years, and that show a tendency to recur or endure. Chronic conditions are often contrasted with acute conditions, which have a sudden onset and a shorter duration. Chronic diseases may be non-communicable and require long-term management, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments. Examples include przewlekła choroba serca, cukrzyca, przewlekła obturacyjna choroba płuc, przewlekły ból, and przewlekłe zapalenie stawów. Some conditions can be managed effectively but not cured, and their course may vary between individuals.

Beyond medicine, przewlek can describe any process or state that endures over time, such as przewlekły stres, przewlekłe zakażenia or przewlekłe problemy zdrowotne. The term is commonly used in clinical guidelines, reports, and health journalism, ensuring clarity when distinguishing between short-term, acute issues and long-term, ongoing ones.