Acute and chronic conditions typically differ in how they develop and how long they last.
Chronic conditions, on the other hand, are long-lasting.
They develop and potentially worsen over time (e.g., Crohn’s disease).
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These descriptions can vary somewhat, though, depending on who you speak to or what sources you reference.
General Definitions
Most illnesses can be categorized as acute or chronic.
It simply means that symptoms have developed quickly and that some sort of medical intervention is needed.
It simply indicates that the condition is not curable.
Chronic conditions can often be managed (likediabetesorhigh blood pressure).
Some extend the definition to include developmental, functional, or visual disabilities that require ongoing care or management.
Phases of Illness
An acute or chronic diagnosis is not necessarily fixed.
An acute condition can sometimes become chronic, while a chronic condition may suddenly present with acute symptoms.
Syphilisandhepatitis Care two such examples.
Both will typically present with acute symptoms that spontaneously disappear, suggesting that the infections have cleared.
The same can occur with non-infectious disorders likerheumatoid arthritisorpsoriasis.
Even so, the diseases can have episodic flares in which acute symptoms spontaneously develop and disappear.
Most, but not all, chronic diseases will lead to an acute event if left untreated.
Chronic vs. After all, an acute bout of the flu does not compare to anacute hepatitis C infection.
In the end, labeling an illness as acuteorchroniccannot describe the nature of a disease, nor predict outcomes.
Even public health authorities aren’t immune to these discrepancies.
Within this context, the definition can often bend to fit the situation.
With the HHS, “chronic” is used to describe a public health concern for surveillance purposes.
With the CMMS, the term broadly describes a disease for healthcare utilization purposes.
Some health experts advocate for a simpler approach to help clear up confusion and inconsistencies.
However, these definitions aren’t always precise or universally applied.
Some acute conditions can become chronic, and chronic conditions may have acute flare-ups.
Always consult your healthcare provider for clarity about your condition.
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Acute Medical Conditions: What’s the Difference?
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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Chronic condition special needs plans (C-SNPs).
Bernell S, Howard SW.Use your words carefully: What is a chronic disease?.Front Public Health.
