We all get sick at some point in our lives. Sometimes it can be a common cold, other times it can be something more serious like COVID. Most of the time, these illnesses come on quickly and get better on their own. But there are some health problems that require immediate medical attention. So it's important to know the severity of your condition, as well as whether it's acute or chronic.
The risk of developing both types of illnesses increases with age, but in reality, these conditions can occur at any age. Because these two types of illnesses are very different from each other, they are classified differently in medicine. The main difference is the duration of the symptoms. Simply put, an acute illness is an illness that develops quickly and gets better quickly. Whereas a chronic illness is an illness that lasts for a long time, sometimes throughout life.
What is an acute illness?
The word 'acute' here does not mean "severe", but "sudden onset". Simply put, we call acute illnesses those that have a very rapid onset, but usually resolve within a month . These are the exact opposite of chronic illnesses.
We can easily recognize sudden illnesses like colds and influenza. But there are some acute illnesses, whose symptoms can be severe and cause complications to various organ systems in our body. For example, they can affect organs like our digestive system, respiratory system, eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, and bladder.
Imagine, you suddenly have a severe stomach ache, and the doctor says it's appendicitis. It's an acute illness. If treated quickly, it can be completely cured.
| Common characteristics and examples of acute illnesses | |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Examples |
| |
The most important thing is, even if it starts like a common cold, if the symptoms become severe, for example, difficulty breathing or unbearable pain, do not delay in seeing a doctor or going to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
What is a chronic illness?
A chronic illness, or what we call a "chronic disease," is a condition that lasts for months, years, or even a lifetime. The risk of developing such illnesses increases as you get older. This risk is especially high if your lifestyle is unhealthy, such as being sedentary, not exercising, smoking, or eating unhealthy foods (fast food, fatty foods) .
According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 7 out of 10 deaths annually are caused by such long-term diseases.
So what are these common long-term diseases?
You've definitely heard some of these.
- Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
- Heart Disease
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- High Blood Pressure
Unlike an acute illness, diagnosing and treating a chronic illness can sometimes be a little more complicated. For example, when arthritis starts, a person may only feel a little pain and stiffness in the joints. But over time, these symptoms increase, the pain becomes severe, and it can become difficult to perform daily tasks.
If you have diabetes, some people may experience very few symptoms in the early stages, such as frequent thirst and frequent urination. Some people may not have any symptoms at all at first. However, if this disease is not properly diagnosed and controlled, it can lead to serious complications over time, such as neuropathy, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.
How to live with a chronic illness? (Chronic Disease Management)
There are many reasons why chronic diseases can develop. Some are hereditary . Some, as we discussed earlier, are caused by our own bad lifestyle habits . Environmental factors such as air pollution and exposure to secondhand smoke can also play a role.
When living with a disease like this, the most important thing is to maintain a very good relationship with your doctor. It is essential to go to clinics on scheduled dates and follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
When you see your doctor, he or she may update your treatment plan or recommend new things you can do on your own.
| Methods used to manage long-term diseases | |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle changes | - Changing your diet (e.g. reducing sugar, oil, salt) - Smoking cessation - Exercising regularly |
| Medical treatment | - Daily medications - Medications taken only when needed (PRN medications) - Occupational or physical therapy |
| Testing and counseling | - Imaging tests such as X-rays, CAT scans, or MRI scans - Counseling |
If you're lucky, you may be able to manage your chronic condition with just a few lifestyle changes. But if your doctor has prescribed medication or other treatments, it's important to follow the treatment plan exactly and see your doctor on time for the best results.
Can chronic illnesses be completely cured?
In an acute illness, we expect to be in pain for a short period of time and then recover completely. Unfortunately, that is not the nature of chronic illness. In a long-term illness, a "cure" is not always possible. However, the main goal is to "manage" the disease and thereby maintain a "good quality of life."
Chronic pain and fatigue caused by a long-term illness can lead to depression and other conditions over time. It is common for a person to feel helpless and frustrated when treatment fails to relieve the pain.
Therefore, things beyond medications are very important in controlling diseases like this.
- Being physically active: engaging in exercise that suits you.
- Mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, etc.
- Healthy eating: Getting used to a nutritious diet.
- Rest and good sleep: Giving the body the rest it needs.
- Positive thinking: Being mentally strong.
Methods like these can definitely help you relieve the symptoms of a long-term illness and live a better life.
Take-Home Message
- Acute Illness: Starts suddenly, lasts a short time, and is often completely curable (e.g., cold, broken bone).
- Chronic Illness: develops slowly, lasts for a long time (months, years), and requires management rather than complete cure (e.g., diabetes, arthritis).
- If you are concerned about a symptom you are experiencing, don't dismiss it as something minor. It is best to talk to your doctor before deciding whether it is acute or chronic.
- Living with a chronic illness is not a solo battle. It's a partnership between you and your doctor. Follow the instructions carefully.
- In any medical condition, mental health is as important as physical health . Don't hesitate to seek psychological counseling if necessary.
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