Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGeneral DefinitionsPhases of IllnessExamples of Chronic and Acute ConditionsFlaws in DefinitionsClearing Up ConfusionSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
General Definitions
Phases of Illness
Examples of Chronic and Acute Conditions
Flaws in Definitions
Clearing Up Confusion
Summary
Acute and chronic conditions typically differ in how they develop and how long they last. Broadly speaking, acute conditions occur suddenly, have immediate or rapidly developing symptoms, and are limited in their duration (e.g., the flu). Chronic conditions, on the other hand, are long-lasting. They develop and potentially worsen over time (e.g., Crohn’s disease).These descriptions can vary somewhat, though, depending on who you speak to or what sources you reference. While the terms may apply in specific circumstances, they don’t always, and they often fall short in describing what you may be faced with if given an acute or chronic diagnosis.Maskot / Getty ImagesGeneral DefinitionsMost illnesses can be categorized as acute or chronic. These terms can suggest the types of treatment required, how long treatment can be expected to last, and if treatment is appropriate.AcuteSymptoms develop quicklyExpected to be brief; typically resolves in less than six monthsChronicSymptoms have a slow onset and can worsen over timePersists beyond six months"Acute"does not mean new, although many newly diagnosed diseases present with acute symptoms. Nor does it mean that symptoms are severe. It simply means that symptoms have developed quickly and that some sort of medical intervention is needed.Similarly, “chronic"should not be construed to mean fatal or something that will inherently shorten your life. It simply indicates that the condition is not curable. Chronic conditions can often be managed (likediabetesorhigh blood pressure).A newly diagnosed illness can also be labeled chronic if there is no expectation of a cure;arthritisis one such example. Some extend the definition to include developmental, functional, or visual disabilities that require ongoing care or management.Phases of IllnessAn acute or chronic diagnosis is not necessarily fixed. An acute condition can sometimes become chronic, while a chronic condition may suddenly present with acute symptoms.Certain infections, for example, will progress from anacute phase(in which symptoms appear and resolve after the initial exposure) to achronic phase(in which the infection persists, but progresses less aggressively).The chronic infection may lie dormant for years in alatent state, only to manifest with new and typically severe acute complications.Syphilisandhepatitis Care two such examples. Both will typically present with acute symptoms that spontaneously disappear, suggesting that the infections have cleared.However, if left untreated, the infections can progress silently and emerge years later with severe complications liketertiary syphilisorliver failure, respectively.The same can occur with non-infectious disorders likerheumatoid arthritisorpsoriasis. Both are considered chronic in that they cannot be cured but can be managed with proper care and treatment.Even so, the diseases can have episodic flares in which acute symptoms spontaneously develop and disappear.Most, but not all, chronic diseases will lead to an acute event if left untreated. For example,atherosclerosiscan lead to aheart attackorstrokeif steps aren’t taken to reduce arterial plaque build-up or reduce blood pressure.With early diagnosis and treatment, some chronicdisordersmay remain subclinical (without readily observed symptoms) and never manifest acutely. These include infections likeHIVor conditions likehypercholesterolemia(high cholesterol), which are often detected early and treated before any symptoms emerge.Examples of Chronic and Acute ConditionsWhile acute conditions are technically those that begin suddenly without preexisting symptoms and last temporarily, keep in mind that many acute conditions can become chronic or result in chronic symptoms.Chronic vs. Acute ConditionsChronicArthritisAlzheimer’s diseaseCrohn’s diseaseHigh blood pressureDiabetesCancerEpilepsyHeart diseaseClinical depressionAsthmaAcuteBroken bonesHeart attackCommon coldBurnsConstipationStrokeAppendicitisBronchitisPneumoniaSinus infectionWhere Definitions Fall ShortAs tidy as the definitions may seem—six months or more forchronicversus less than six months foracute—these timeframes in no way suggest what you may be faced with if diagnosed with an acute or chronic illness.After all, an acute bout of the flu does not compare to anacute hepatitis C infection. Neither does HIV (a chronic infection that can be controlled over a lifetime with antiretroviral drugs) compare tomultiple sclerosis(a chronic illness that invariably progresses despite treatment).In the end, labeling an illness as acuteorchroniccannot describe the nature of a disease, nor predict outcomes.This non-specificity of definitions not only affects healthcare providers and patients but also researchers who look for concise ways to evaluate the course of a disease. Thresholds are frequently changed from six months to three months or extended to a year or more, which only adds to confusion.Even public health authorities aren’t immune to these discrepancies. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for instance, lists 20 diseases as chronic—including stroke,autism, andcancer. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) lists 15, many of which are different from the HHS list.Within this context, the definition can often bend to fit the situation. With the HHS, “chronic” is used to describe a public health concern for surveillance purposes. With the CMMS, the term broadly describes a disease for healthcare utilization purposes.There is currently no single consistent definition of either “acute” or “chronic” that fits all purposes. This doesn’t mean, however, that the terms are unimportant in how they are used between a healthcare provider and patient.Clearing Up the ConfusionThe seemingly random ways in which these terms are applied can often create confusion in a patient’s expectations.For example, can cancer truly be considered chronic when only a few types (such asmultiple myeloma) are able to be managed chronically? Should a traumatic injury like a broken leg be considered acute even if it fits within the broader definition of the term?In the end, defining an illness or injury as acute or chronic may not only not be necessary, but it may confuse more than enlighten.Some health experts advocate for a simpler approach to help clear up confusion and inconsistencies. Rather than adhering to a specific timeframe or list of conditions, they endorse definitions that express the concepts behind the terms more generally.Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, for example, defines them as follows:Acute: “Having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course"Chronic: “Continuing or occurring again and again for a long time"By understanding the concepts rather than the rules, you can have a better grasp of what your healthcare provider is telling you when describing your health condition. But, of course, be sure to ask any questions you have to paint a clear picture of your condition and what may lie ahead.SummaryGenerally speaking, acute conditions develop suddenly, have rapid symptoms, and are typically short-lived while chronic conditions are long-lasting, developing slowly and often manageable but incurable.However, these definitions aren’t always precise or universally applied. Some acute conditions can become chronic, and chronic conditions may have acute flare-ups. Always consult your healthcare provider for clarity about your condition.
Acute and chronic conditions typically differ in how they develop and how long they last. Broadly speaking, acute conditions occur suddenly, have immediate or rapidly developing symptoms, and are limited in their duration (e.g., the flu). Chronic conditions, on the other hand, are long-lasting. They develop and potentially worsen over time (e.g., Crohn’s disease).
These descriptions can vary somewhat, though, depending on who you speak to or what sources you reference. While the terms may apply in specific circumstances, they don’t always, and they often fall short in describing what you may be faced with if given an acute or chronic diagnosis.
Maskot / Getty Images
Most illnesses can be categorized as acute or chronic. These terms can suggest the types of treatment required, how long treatment can be expected to last, and if treatment is appropriate.
AcuteSymptoms develop quicklyExpected to be brief; typically resolves in less than six monthsChronicSymptoms have a slow onset and can worsen over timePersists beyond six months
AcuteSymptoms develop quicklyExpected to be brief; typically resolves in less than six months
Symptoms develop quickly
Expected to be brief; typically resolves in less than six months
ChronicSymptoms have a slow onset and can worsen over timePersists beyond six months
Symptoms have a slow onset and can worsen over time
Persists beyond six months
“Acute"does not mean new, although many newly diagnosed diseases present with acute symptoms. Nor does it mean that symptoms are severe. It simply means that symptoms have developed quickly and that some sort of medical intervention is needed.
Similarly, “chronic"should not be construed to mean fatal or something that will inherently shorten your life. It simply indicates that the condition is not curable. Chronic conditions can often be managed (likediabetesorhigh blood pressure).
A newly diagnosed illness can also be labeled chronic if there is no expectation of a cure;arthritisis one such example. Some extend the definition to include developmental, functional, or visual disabilities that require ongoing care or management.
An acute or chronic diagnosis is not necessarily fixed. An acute condition can sometimes become chronic, while a chronic condition may suddenly present with acute symptoms.
Certain infections, for example, will progress from anacute phase(in which symptoms appear and resolve after the initial exposure) to achronic phase(in which the infection persists, but progresses less aggressively).
The chronic infection may lie dormant for years in alatent state, only to manifest with new and typically severe acute complications.
Syphilisandhepatitis Care two such examples. Both will typically present with acute symptoms that spontaneously disappear, suggesting that the infections have cleared.
However, if left untreated, the infections can progress silently and emerge years later with severe complications liketertiary syphilisorliver failure, respectively.
The same can occur with non-infectious disorders likerheumatoid arthritisorpsoriasis. Both are considered chronic in that they cannot be cured but can be managed with proper care and treatment.
Even so, the diseases can have episodic flares in which acute symptoms spontaneously develop and disappear.
Most, but not all, chronic diseases will lead to an acute event if left untreated. For example,atherosclerosiscan lead to aheart attackorstrokeif steps aren’t taken to reduce arterial plaque build-up or reduce blood pressure.
With early diagnosis and treatment, some chronicdisordersmay remain subclinical (without readily observed symptoms) and never manifest acutely. These include infections likeHIVor conditions likehypercholesterolemia(high cholesterol), which are often detected early and treated before any symptoms emerge.
While acute conditions are technically those that begin suddenly without preexisting symptoms and last temporarily, keep in mind that many acute conditions can become chronic or result in chronic symptoms.
Chronic vs. Acute ConditionsChronicArthritisAlzheimer’s diseaseCrohn’s diseaseHigh blood pressureDiabetesCancerEpilepsyHeart diseaseClinical depressionAsthmaAcuteBroken bonesHeart attackCommon coldBurnsConstipationStrokeAppendicitisBronchitisPneumoniaSinus infection
Chronic vs. Acute Conditions
ChronicArthritisAlzheimer’s diseaseCrohn’s diseaseHigh blood pressureDiabetesCancerEpilepsyHeart diseaseClinical depressionAsthma
Arthritis
Alzheimer’s disease
Crohn’s disease
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Cancer
Epilepsy
Heart disease
Clinical depression
Asthma
AcuteBroken bonesHeart attackCommon coldBurnsConstipationStrokeAppendicitisBronchitisPneumoniaSinus infection
Broken bones
Heart attack
Common cold
Burns
Constipation
Stroke
Appendicitis
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Sinus infection
Where Definitions Fall Short
As tidy as the definitions may seem—six months or more forchronicversus less than six months foracute—these timeframes in no way suggest what you may be faced with if diagnosed with an acute or chronic illness.
After all, an acute bout of the flu does not compare to anacute hepatitis C infection. Neither does HIV (a chronic infection that can be controlled over a lifetime with antiretroviral drugs) compare tomultiple sclerosis(a chronic illness that invariably progresses despite treatment).
In the end, labeling an illness as acuteorchroniccannot describe the nature of a disease, nor predict outcomes.
This non-specificity of definitions not only affects healthcare providers and patients but also researchers who look for concise ways to evaluate the course of a disease. Thresholds are frequently changed from six months to three months or extended to a year or more, which only adds to confusion.
Even public health authorities aren’t immune to these discrepancies. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for instance, lists 20 diseases as chronic—including stroke,autism, andcancer. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) lists 15, many of which are different from the HHS list.
Within this context, the definition can often bend to fit the situation. With the HHS, “chronic” is used to describe a public health concern for surveillance purposes. With the CMMS, the term broadly describes a disease for healthcare utilization purposes.
There is currently no single consistent definition of either “acute” or “chronic” that fits all purposes. This doesn’t mean, however, that the terms are unimportant in how they are used between a healthcare provider and patient.
Clearing Up the Confusion
The seemingly random ways in which these terms are applied can often create confusion in a patient’s expectations.
For example, can cancer truly be considered chronic when only a few types (such asmultiple myeloma) are able to be managed chronically? Should a traumatic injury like a broken leg be considered acute even if it fits within the broader definition of the term?
In the end, defining an illness or injury as acute or chronic may not only not be necessary, but it may confuse more than enlighten.
Some health experts advocate for a simpler approach to help clear up confusion and inconsistencies. Rather than adhering to a specific timeframe or list of conditions, they endorse definitions that express the concepts behind the terms more generally.
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, for example, defines them as follows:
By understanding the concepts rather than the rules, you can have a better grasp of what your healthcare provider is telling you when describing your health condition. But, of course, be sure to ask any questions you have to paint a clear picture of your condition and what may lie ahead.
Generally speaking, acute conditions develop suddenly, have rapid symptoms, and are typically short-lived while chronic conditions are long-lasting, developing slowly and often manageable but incurable.
However, these definitions aren’t always precise or universally applied. Some acute conditions can become chronic, and chronic conditions may have acute flare-ups. Always consult your healthcare provider for clarity about your condition.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Weitz JS, Li G, Gulbudak H, Cortez MH, Whitaker RJ.Viral invasion fitness across a continuum from lysis to latency.Virus Evolution.2019 Jul:5(2):vez052. doi:10.1093/ve/vez052Goodman RA, Posner SF, Huang ES, Parekh AK, Koh HK.Defining and measuring chronic conditions: Imperatives for research, policy, program, and practice.Prev Chronic Dis. 2013;10:120239. doi:10.5888/pcd10.120239Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Chronic condition special needs plans (C-SNPs).Bernell S, Howard SW.Use your words carefully: What is a chronic disease?.Front Public Health. 2016;4:159. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2016.00159Merriam-Webster Dictionary.Chronic.Merriam-Webster Dictionary.Acute.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Weitz JS, Li G, Gulbudak H, Cortez MH, Whitaker RJ.Viral invasion fitness across a continuum from lysis to latency.Virus Evolution.2019 Jul:5(2):vez052. doi:10.1093/ve/vez052Goodman RA, Posner SF, Huang ES, Parekh AK, Koh HK.Defining and measuring chronic conditions: Imperatives for research, policy, program, and practice.Prev Chronic Dis. 2013;10:120239. doi:10.5888/pcd10.120239Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Chronic condition special needs plans (C-SNPs).Bernell S, Howard SW.Use your words carefully: What is a chronic disease?.Front Public Health. 2016;4:159. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2016.00159Merriam-Webster Dictionary.Chronic.Merriam-Webster Dictionary.Acute.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Weitz JS, Li G, Gulbudak H, Cortez MH, Whitaker RJ.Viral invasion fitness across a continuum from lysis to latency.Virus Evolution.2019 Jul:5(2):vez052. doi:10.1093/ve/vez052Goodman RA, Posner SF, Huang ES, Parekh AK, Koh HK.Defining and measuring chronic conditions: Imperatives for research, policy, program, and practice.Prev Chronic Dis. 2013;10:120239. doi:10.5888/pcd10.120239Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Chronic condition special needs plans (C-SNPs).Bernell S, Howard SW.Use your words carefully: What is a chronic disease?.Front Public Health. 2016;4:159. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2016.00159Merriam-Webster Dictionary.Chronic.Merriam-Webster Dictionary.Acute.
Weitz JS, Li G, Gulbudak H, Cortez MH, Whitaker RJ.Viral invasion fitness across a continuum from lysis to latency.Virus Evolution.2019 Jul:5(2):vez052. doi:10.1093/ve/vez052
Goodman RA, Posner SF, Huang ES, Parekh AK, Koh HK.Defining and measuring chronic conditions: Imperatives for research, policy, program, and practice.Prev Chronic Dis. 2013;10:120239. doi:10.5888/pcd10.120239
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Chronic condition special needs plans (C-SNPs).
Bernell S, Howard SW.Use your words carefully: What is a chronic disease?.Front Public Health. 2016;4:159. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2016.00159
Merriam-Webster Dictionary.Chronic.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary.Acute.
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