[Biology Class Notes] on Difference Between Acute and Chronic Diseases Pdf

What is an Acute Disease?

The diseases that occur suddenly and last for a few days are known as Acute Diseases. This condition can be treated with medical treatment or on its own. Many times, acute diseases turn chronic if they continue to persist. Acute diseases can occur throughout all body systems. For eg, the first asthma attack is acute which later turns chronic. Strep throat, broken bone, appendicitis, influenza, pneumonia, cold-cough etc. are some of the acute diseases.

What is a Chronic Disease?

Some diseases occur over a period of time and stay longer in the body, may be for lifetime, are called Chronic Diseases. These types of diseases might last in your body for more than three years. The symptoms of these diseases are initially very mild and slowly damage the body and sometimes may become fatal.

The risk factors involved in such diseases may be age, gender, an unhealthy lifestyle, etc. A chronic disease may or may not be cured by medications. It cannot be prevented by vaccines as well. Elephantiasis, Hepatitis C, HIV, arthritis, diabetes mellitus are some of the chronic diseases.

However, chronic disease can be controlled by:

A chronic illness is very stressful. The stress obstructs and delays your recovery.

Symptoms and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Diseases

Acute diseases are the ones that attack our body rapidly with some distinct symptoms present and require immediate care. These diseases however need short-term care and get better once treated well. For instance, a broken leg bone that might take place from a fall must be treated immediately by a doctor. This bone crack will need immense care and will heal with time and care. Cold, cough, and fever can also be termed acute diseases as these things go away soon if taken care of at the right time. Generally, people with acute illness heal up quickly.

Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases are the ones that develop slowly but stay in our bodies for a long time. These diseases may have a number of warning signs or no signs at all. Some of the chronic diseases are diabetes, blood pressure, heart diseases, and these diseases can be cured only by controlling.

How to Prevent Acute and Chronic Diseases?

Human beings can prevent acute and chronic diseases by maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the following ways –

Ensure generous consumption of fruits and vegetables and adequate folic acid intake.
Limit consumption of sugar and sugar-based beverages.
Limit excessive caloric intake from any source.
Limit sodium intake.

Key Points on Acute and Chronic Diseases

Acute diseases refer to a medical condition that occurs suddenly and lasts for a shorter period of time.
Chronic diseases develop slowly in our bodies and may last for a lifetime.
Chronic diseases are sometimes fatal.
Diseases that stay in our body for a long time can prove to be fatal, otherwise can be treated by certain medications.
Common cold, typhoid, jaundice, cholera, burn, are some of the examples of acute diseases.
Chronic diseases include AIDS, elephantiasis, cancer, tuberculosis, etc.

Hence, we can say that chronic diseases are more dangerous as compared to acute diseases and need proper care, attention, and research because these diseases make a long-term effect on the patient.

Definition of Acute Disease & Chronic Disease

Acute disease is a condition that develops quickly and lasts for a brief length of time. Acute diseases are also not always life-threatening. Chronic disease, on the other hand, progresses more slowly, and this is the primary distinction between acute and chronic disease.

Chronic disease is a health problem that lasts for an extended period of time. Furthermore, because the chronic disease lasts a long time, it necessitates ongoing medical attention, and a complete cure may be difficult to achieve. Cancer, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic diseases are examples.

Difference Between Acute and Chronic Disease

Parameter	Acute Disease	Chronic Disease
Definition	A sickness or ailment that develops quickly and lasts only a brief time.	A condition or disorder that has persisted for a long time. Furthermore, it has long-term health repercussions.
Duration	In comparison to chronic disease, it lasts for a shorter period of time.	It undoubtedly lasts for a longer period of time.
Appearance	The majority of acute disorders develop out of nowhere	Chronic diseases develop slowly and gradually.
Nature	The majority of acute disorders are contagious in nature. Furthermore, an infectious agent is to blame.	The majority of chronic diseases are non-communicable. Furthermore, there is no link between such an illness and an infectious agent.
Causes	Foreign agents are the primary cause of most acute illnesses. Furthermore, incorrect medicine or accidents may be the cause of various acute disorders.	Chronic diseases do not always have a clear etiology. Such diseases can, however, be caused by an improper diet or lifestyle.
Effects	It has no hazardous or dangerous health impacts.	It is likely to have harmful or negative consequences on the health of a patient.
Onset	Acute illness symptoms begin suddenly and progressively worsen in a short period of time.	Chronic disease symptoms may not develop for an extended length of time.
Cure	With proper medicine administration, acute disorders can be completely cured.	It’s rare to find a cure for chronic conditions that is 100 percent effective. In most circumstances, drugs will only be beneficial in stopping the disease from progressing.

More Information on Acute Disease

Examining the distinction between acute and chronic disease in greater depth will undoubtedly clarify things up. As a result, the most common cause of acute diseases is an infectious agent. Furthermore, one of the most crucial characteristics of such disorders is their abrupt onset.

Some acute diseases, such as strep throat, appendicitis, and influenza, are moderate and low-intensity. Such illnesses do not necessitate extensive medical treatment. Some acute disorders, such as pneumonia, may, however, necessitate immediate medical intervention.

More Information About Chronic Illness

Chronic disease is a condition that might last for a long time. Furthermore, such sickness can jeopardize people’s health and freedom. Furthermore, as the disease continues, it becomes more severe.

Chronic diseases are rarely caused by infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria. Furthermore, they are primarily the outcome of bad lifestyle and health decisions.

There is a good chance that the symptoms of chronic conditions may overlap. Furthermore, several common symptoms, such as shortness of breath or weight loss, can be present in many chronic conditions. Additionally, during the course of a chronic condition, there may be many phases of relapse.

Log on to to find out more about chronic and acute diseases and their differences. Find out what the experts have to say about these segmentations.

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