I think many people equate chronic medical conditions to "being sick" or illness. This is especially true for people who don't understand your medical conditions. On the bright side, they do understand on some level that you are unwell or suffering to a certain extent from your medical condition rather than poo-pooing what you are experiencing. I become more frustrated when people minimize my medical issues. I have two chronic, incurable, progressive medical conditions that have dramatically changed my life in more ways than they can possibly imagine. People simply do not understand autoimmune diseases to start with. Add PAH into the mix and that really throws them for a loop! Most people think PAH is like hypertension and that with medications you can lead a normal, healthy life. They do not understand how complex the condition is, how the medications can impact you both positively and negatively, or the financial ramifications of PAH.

Feel uplifted they are showing concern for you. In my opinion both terms apply and commingle in treatment approach and procedures. "A disease is something that needs to be cured, while an illness is something that needs to be managed". I'm not going to be upset if referred to either way. With some of the best medicine in the world no one has a definitive treatment procedure that covers PAH, the disease that fosters and incorporates multiple illnesses. Have a great day.

Hi Julie, I think it's just a question of terminology, some people use 'sick', 'ill', 'unwell' or suffering a 'condition' without making much distinction between them.

I consider PH to be a medical condition. May God bless you!

I do refer to my PH as an illness. So am I wrong?