Chronic
Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quickly go away.
Chronic is the opposite of acute.
Acute
Acute means sudden or severe. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.
References
Taber's Medical Dictionary Online website. www.tabers.com/tabersonline. Accessed April 15, 2021.
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Acute vs. chronic conditions - illustration
Acute conditions are severe and sudden in onset. This could describe anything from a broken bone to an asthma attack. A chronic condition, by contrast is a long-developing syndrome, such as osteoporosis or asthma. Note that osteoporosis, a chronic condition, may cause a broken bone, an acute condition. An acute asthma attack occurs in the midst of the chronic disease of asthma. Acute conditions, such as a first asthma attack, may lead to a chronic syndrome if untreated.
Acute vs. chronic conditions
illustration
-
Acute vs. chronic conditions - illustration
Acute conditions are severe and sudden in onset. This could describe anything from a broken bone to an asthma attack. A chronic condition, by contrast is a long-developing syndrome, such as osteoporosis or asthma. Note that osteoporosis, a chronic condition, may cause a broken bone, an acute condition. An acute asthma attack occurs in the midst of the chronic disease of asthma. Acute conditions, such as a first asthma attack, may lead to a chronic syndrome if untreated.
Acute vs. chronic conditions
illustration
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
(In-Depth)
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(In-Depth)
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
(Alt. Medicine)
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(Alt. Medicine)
- Living with a chronic illness - dealing with feelings
- Living with a chronic illness - reaching out to others
- Managing your chronic back pain
- Day to day with COPD
- COPD - quick-relief drugs
- COPD - control drugs
- COPD flare-ups
- Hemodialysis access - self care
- Using oxygen at home
- COPD - how to use a nebulizer
Review Date: 1/16/2021
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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