Understanding Acute vs Chronic Symptoms

Acute illnesses come on suddenly and only last for a short time – perhaps a few days or a few weeks. They are usually causes by a virus or infection, or an injury resulting from a fall or other accident. Because their symptoms come on rapidly, acute illnesses often require urgent medical care and then get better once treated. Examples of acute illness are an asthma attack, a broken bone, bronchitis, flu, heart attack, or pneumonia.

Chronic conditions develop slowly and may worsen over a period of time – perhaps months or years. They are usually caused by unhealthy lifestyle such as poor nutrition, inadequate physical activity, overuse of alcohol, smoking, etc. Genetics and environmental factors may also contribute. As people age, their likelihood of developing one or more chronic conditions increases. Chronic conditions may have no symptoms or warning signs until the condition has progressed. Chronic conditions can not be cured, but can be managed. Examples of chronic conditions are arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, or osteoporosis.