Which of the following is considered a chronic illness?

Chronic illnesses are conditions that persist over a long period of time, often lasting for at least three months or longer, and may require ongoing management. Asthma fits this definition as it is a long-term respiratory condition affecting the airways in the lungs. Individuals with asthma can experience episodes of difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest tightness, which require consistent treatment and monitoring. Unlike asthma, the other options represent acute illnesses, which are typically temporary and resolve within a short duration. The common cold is a viral infection that usually resolves within a week or two, typhoid fever is an acute bacterial infection that can be treated effectively with antibiotics, and food poisoning is a short-lived illness that also resolves without long-term consequences in most cases. Thus, asthma is the only choice among these that is chronic in nature, requiring ongoing management and care.