Acute And Chronic Diseases

May 02, 2023, 16:45 IST

Health is defined as the state of the social, mental, and physical well-being of an individual. Personal hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are keys to good health.

When the functioning of one or more organs or systems of the body is adversely affected and also characterized by various signs and symptoms, it is called a disease. Diseases are characterized as infectious and non-infectious diseases. Diseases that are easily transmitted from one person to another, are said to be infectious. And the ones which are not transmitted are said to be non-infectious.

Table of Content
Define Acute Diseases Define Chronic Diseases Difference Between Acute and Chronic Diseases Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Define Acute Diseases

Diseases that occur suddenly and last for short duration are said to be acute diseases. They are generally not life-threatening and are easily treatable. But if they occur frequently, they can become chronic or long-lasting.

Causes of acute diseases

Acute diseases can be caused due to any infection caused by infectious agents (pathogens) such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, parasites, etc.
Accidental injury, fall, or accidental use of drugs are other causative agents of acute diseases.

List of some of the common acute diseases

Jaundice
Typhoid
Strep throat
Malaria
Pneumonia
Common cold
Flu
Influenza
Appendicitis
Bronchitis
Asthma attack
Fracture in bones
Respiratory infections
Heart attack
Cholera

Define Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases are long-lasting diseases that are life-threatening also. A complete cure for such diseases is not possible. Only their signs and symptoms can be managed. If any disease persists for more than 3 years, it is considered a chronic disease.

Common causes of chronic diseases

Physical inactivity
Poor and unbalanced diet
Alcohol and tobacco consumption
Obesity
Increased cholesterol level.
Age and gender
Heredity
Increased blood pressure

List of some of the common chronic diseases

Cancer
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
Crohn's disease,
cystic fibrosis,
Arthritis,
Diabetes,
Alzheimer's
Elephantiasis
Hepatitis

Difference Between Acute and Chronic Diseases

Acute disease	Chronic disease
Rapid onset of the disease.	Disease that occurs over a longer period or arises gradually.
Generally, not life-threatening and last for a shorter duration of time.	Can be life-threatening and remains for a lifetime of an individual.
They cause immediate damage to the body.	They cause gradual damage to the body.
They are generally caused by some infectious agents and are communicable also. For example, the common cold.	Mostly non-communicable and is not caused by infectious agents.
Often these diseases are treatable by providing the correct medication.	They cause long-term damage to the body and prove fatal. Medication can only manage the symptoms for a short duration of time.
Some acute diseases are mild in nature and relatively low in their intensity.	Chronic disease becomes more severe with time.
Symptoms vary according to the heart of the disease	Chronic diseases have some common symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, etc.
Period of relapse that is absent in acute diseases as they last for a shorter duration of time.	Multiple periods of relapse are present in chronic diseases.

Conclusion

Acute disease develops suddenly and lasts for a short length of time. Chronic conditions take a long time to develop. Sometimes, chronic illnesses are lethal. Acute diseases can be dangerous if they last long, but they can also be treated with particular drugs. Acute diseases include the common cold, typhoid, jaundice, cholera, and burns. Diabetes, cancer, Tuberculosis, arthritis and others are chronic disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are acute diseases?

Ans. Diseases that occur suddenly and last for a short duration are said to be acute diseases. They are generally not life-threatening and are easily treatable.

Q2. What are chronic diseases?

Ans. Chronic diseases are long-lasting diseases that are life-threatening also. A complete cure for such diseases is not possible.

Q3. What is the difference between acute and chronic diseases?

Ans.

Acute diseases	Chronic diseases
Acute diseases last for a shorter duration and are generally treatable.	Chronic diseases last for longer duration or life-long and are generally life-threatening.
Symptoms of acute diseases vary with different diseases.	Chronic diseases have some common symptoms.
Period of relapse is not observed	Multiple periods of relapse are observed in chronic diseases
For example- Typhoid, Malaria, Jaundice, etc	For example- Tuberculosis, cancer, etc