WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE...

...between acute and chronic conditions?

ACUTE conditions generally develop suddenly and last a short time, be that a few hours, days or weeks.

A chronic condition is long lasting, develops over time and often worsens.

But chronic conditions can cause acute conditions.

For instance, asthma is a chronic condition in which the sufferer is prone to breathing difficulties. Regular medication is given to keep the problem in check long-term, but an asthma attack, in which the airways become inflamed and restricted, is an acute condition that requires immediate treatment.

Similarly, osteoporosis is a chronic condition where bones get thinner, but when it causes bones to fracture it becomes an acute condition.