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- DictionaryChron·ic/ˈkränik/
adjective
- 1. (of an illness) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring: "chronic bronchitis"
People also ask
Which one is worse, acute or chronic?
What does the word chronic mean?
What is considered a chronic condition?
Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Chronic diseases such as heart disease , cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
Relating to an illness or medical condition that is characterized by long duration or frequent recurrence. Diabetes and hypertension are chronic diseases.
- Overview
- Acute and chronic conditions defined
- Acute vs. chronic conditions
- Examples of acute and chronic conditions
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Healthcare professionals use various criteria to describe acute and chronic conditions. The two types of conditions have several differences in the way people experience, develop, and receive treatment for them.
Healthcare professionals can classify medical conditions as acute or chronic. Acute conditions often start suddenly and last for a short time, and they can be severe. Chronic conditions last for a long time and come on gradually. The treatments and progression of the two types of conditions can also differ.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60% of adults in the United States have a chronic disease, and about 40% of adults have two or more.
This article defines acute and chronic conditions, outlines how both types progress, and gives some examples of each type of condition.
Acute conditions develop suddenly and often last for a short time. After experiencing an acute condition, people are likely to return to the way they were beforehand. An acute condition often has a defined cure or treatment.
While there is no single, universal definition of acute conditions, many healthcare professionals define them as lasting anywhere from less than 3 months to 6 months.
Conversely, chronic conditions develop slowly and may affect a person over an extended period. They are usually long lasting. People with chronic conditions are unlikely to return entirely to the way they were before they developed one.
The CDC broadly defines a chronic disease as one that:
•lasts for a year or longer
•requires ongoing medical treatment
Acute and chronic conditions affect people differently.
Examples of acute conditions include:
•appendicitis
•asthma attacks
•broken bones or fractures
•burns
•COVID-19
Is a fever an acute or chronic condition?
A fever can be acute or chronic, depending on how long it lasts. Healthcare professionals typically define a fever as chronic if it lasts for more than 14 days.
Is cancer an acute or chronic condition?
According to the CDC, cancer is a chronic condition.
Which is more severe, acute or chronic?
Certain chronic conditions are the leading causes of fatality and disability in the United States. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, chronic conditions account for 86% of U.S. healthcare costs.
Acute conditions often begin suddenly, last for a short time, and do not have long-term effects. Chronic conditions typically have a gradual onset, last longer, and have long-term effects.
Chronic health conditions are the most common cause of disability or fatality in the United States and account for the majority of national healthcare costs.
Acute conditions often have a known cause and a cure that a healthcare professional can administer directly, while chronic conditions may have ambiguous causes or symptoms. A person with chronic health conditions may need long-term treatment involving a team of healthcare professionals.
Preventive medications, vaccinations, and other measures may help prevent some acute conditions. People may be able to use lifestyle strategies to prevent or manage many chronic conditions.
Nov 12, 2021 · What it means : Lasting a long time; being slow and progressive. Where it comes from : From Greek, chronikós, "of time." Where you might see or hear it : Many health conditions can be characterized as chronic, meaning that they last a long time—even a lifetime.
Mar 15, 2023 · 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.
chronic meaning, definition, what is chronic: a chronic disease or illness is one that...: Learn more.
Apr 25, 2013 · Chronic condition is a general term that includes chronic illnesses and impairments. It includes conditions that are expected to last a year or longer, limit what one can do, and/or may require ongoing medical care. Serious chronic conditions are a subset of chronic conditions that require ongoing medical care and limit what a person can do.
