Acute diseases, in general, arise unexpectedly, involve immediate or rapidly growing symptoms, and have a short duration (e.g., the flu). Chronic diseases, on the other hand, last for a long time. They develop and, in some cases, worsen with time (for example, Crohn’s disease). Most diseases can be classified as either acute or chronic. These terms can indicate the sort of therapy needed, how long treatment can be expected to endure, and if treatment is necessary.
What are Acute and Chronic Disease give Examples
Acute Disease
Acute diseases are those that begin suddenly and last for a few days. This disease can be cured medically or on its own. If an acute disease persists, it is common for it to develop into a chronic disease. Acute diseases can affect any of the body’s systems. For example, the initial asthma attack is acute, but it eventually progresses to chronic.
Example
Some of the acute diseases are strep throat, fractured bones, appendicitis, influenza, pneumonia, cold-cough, and so on.
Chronic disease
Chronic diseases are those that develop over time and continue for an extended length of time, or even a lifetime. Chronic disease is defined as a condition that lasts longer than three years. The symptoms are relatively modest. A chronic disease develops slowly and significantly harms the body. It can be lethal at times.
Age, gender, and an unhealthy lifestyle are all risk factors for such diseases. Medication may or may not cure a chronic condition. Vaccines are also ineffective in preventing it.
Chronic disease, on the other hand, can be treated by: Physical exercise, A nutritious diet, Quitting Smoking, Managing Alcohol Consumption
A chronic condition can be quite distressing. Your recovery is hampered and slowed by stress.
Example
Chronic diseases include hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, and psoriasis.
Symptoms and possible treatments
Acute Diseases
Acute diseases develop quickly and are accompanied by unique symptoms that need immediate or short-term treatment, and they improve once treated. For example, a fractured bone caused by a fall must be treated by a doctor and will recover over time. An acute disease, such as the common cold, can sometimes quietly go away on its own.
Treatment
The majority of those suffering from acute diseases will recover quickly. If you are hospitalised for an acute illness, you will most likely be ready to return to the comfort and familiarity of home once your condition improves. However, being released from the hospital does not imply that you are entirely recovered.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases grow more slowly, may progress over time, and may have a variety of warning signals or none at all. Arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease are examples of common chronic diseases. Chronic health issues, unlike acute diseases, cannot be treated; they can only be controlled.
Living with chronic conditions or managing the symptoms of a chronic condition can often be accomplished through the development of a health care plan in collaboration with your physician—the plan may include medication, healthy eating, physical or occupational therapy, exercise, or complementary treatments such as acupuncture or meditation.
Treatment
Chronic Diseases are frequently preventable by engaging in good lifestyle habits such as remaining physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and nutritional status, minimising sun exposure, and abstaining from narcotics, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.
Difference between Acute and Chronic Diseases
|
S.NO |
Acute |
Chronic |
|
1 |
A disease or condition that has a fast start and seems to last just in short time. |
A disease or illness that persists over an extended length of time. Furthermore, it has long-term health consequences. |
|
2 |
Most acute diseases are contagious in nature. It is also the result of an infectious agent. |
The majority of chronic diseases are non-communicable in origin. Furthermore, no infectious agent has been associated to such a disease. |
|
3 |
It has no negative or severe impacts on the body. |
It is likely to be hazardous or harmful to a patient’s health. |
|
4 |
Acute disease symptoms develop suddenly and worsen within a short period of time. |
Chronic disease symptoms may not develop for an extended length of time. |
|
5 |
The majority of acute disorders develop suddenly. |
Chronic diseases arise slowly and gradually. |
|
6 |
Complete treatment of acute disorders is feasible with proper medicine administration. |
It is unusual to find a comprehensive treatment for chronic conditions. In most circumstances, drugs will only be beneficial in stopping the condition from progressing. |
|
7 |
Foreign agents are the primary cause of the majority of acute illnesses. Furthermore, certain acute disorders may be the result of incorrect medicine or an accident. |
Chronic illnesses do not always have a clear cause. Such diseases, however, might be caused by an improper diet or lifestyle. |
|
8 |
Acute diseases include bone fractures, typhoid, cholera, jaundice, heart attacks, and so on. |
Cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and TB(tuberculosis) are examples of chronic illnesses. |
Conclusion
Acute diseases are those that begin suddenly and last for a few days. However, Chronic diseases are those that develop over time and continue for an extended length of time, or even a lifetime. Most diseases can be classified as either acute or chronic. If an acute disease persists, it is common for it to develop into a chronic disease. Acute diseases develop quickly and are accompanied by unique symptoms that need immediate or short-term treatment, and they improve once treated. Chronic diseases grow more slowly, may progress over time, and may have a variety of warning signals or none at all. Arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease are examples of common chronic diseases.