Acute vs Chronic

Many medical conditions can present in both acute and chronic forms. The KFP has marks for adding acute or chronic. Here’s a list of some conditions where there are acute and chronic prefixes.

  • Pain:
    • Acute Pain: Often due to injury, surgery, or a brief disease process.
    • Chronic Pain: Often due to conditions like arthritis, back injury or neuropathy.
  • Inflammation:
    • Acute Inflammation: Rapid onset, typically a response to injury or infection.
    • Chronic Inflammation: Prolonged inflammation, often associated with autoimmune diseases or long-term exposure to irritants.
  • Respiratory Conditions:
    • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Sudden respiratory failure due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Long-term respiratory condition, often exacerbated by smoking.
  • Bronchitis:
    • Acute Bronchitis: Short-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually due to infection.
    • Chronic Bronchitis: A form of COPD; long-term inflammation with persistent cough.
  • Renal Failure:
    • Acute Renal Failure: Sudden loss of kidney function, often reversible.
    • Chronic Kidney Disease: Gradual loss of kidney function over time.
  • Heart Failure:
    • Acute Heart Failure: Sudden onset of symptoms due to heart’s inability to pump blood effectively.
    • Chronic Heart Failure: Progressive worsening of heart’s ability to pump blood.
  • Hepatitis:
    • Acute Hepatitis: Rapid onset liver inflammation, often due to a virus.
    • Chronic Hepatitis B/C: Ongoing liver inflammation, potentially leading to liver damage.
  • Leukemia:
    • Acute Leukemia: Rapid increase in the number of immature blood cells.
    • Chronic Leukemia: Slower development and accumulation of more mature blood cells.
  • Pancreatitis:
    • Acute Pancreatitis: Sudden inflammation of the pancreas.
    • Chronic Pancreatitis: Persistent inflammation causing permanent damage.
  • Anxiety:
    • Acute Anxiety: Short-term anxiety typically in response to a specific stressor.
    • Chronic Anxiety: Long-term, persistent anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
  • Otitis Media (Ear Infection):
    • Acute Otitis Media: Short-term ear infection, common in children.
    • Chronic Otitis Media: Long-standing ear infection, potentially leading to hearing loss.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
    • Acute UTI: Sudden onset, typically responding well to short-term antibiotics.
    • Chronic UTI: Recurrent or long-lasting infections, often requiring long-term management.
  • Gastritis:
    • Acute Gastritis: Sudden inflammation of the stomach lining, often due to certain medications, alcohol, or infection.
    • Chronic Gastritis: Persistent inflammation, possibly leading to stomach ulcers and other complications.
  • Sinusitis:
    • Acute Sinusitis: Short-term inflammation of the sinuses, commonly due to a viral infection.
    • Chronic Sinusitis: Long-term inflammation, often due to ongoing infections or structural nasal problems.
  • Lymphadenitis (Swollen Lymph Nodes):
    • Acute Lymphadenitis: Rapid swelling due to infection or injury.
    • Chronic Lymphadenitis: Persistent swelling, potentially indicating chronic infections or immune disorders.
  • Thyroiditis:
    • Acute Thyroiditis: Sudden inflammation of the thyroid, often painful.
    • Chronic Thyroiditis (e.g., Hashimoto’s disease): Gradual thyroid damage leading to hypothyroidism.
  • Asthma:
    • Acute Asthma Attack: Sudden worsening of asthma symptoms.
    • Chronic Asthma: Long-term inflammatory disease of the airways.
  • Uveitis (Eye Inflammation):
    • Acute Uveitis: Sudden onset of eye inflammation.
    • Chronic Uveitis: Persistent or recurrent inflammation, risking damage to the eye.
  • Appendicitis:
    • Acute Appendicitis: Sudden inflammation of the appendix, typically requiring surgery.
  • Glomerulonephritis (Kidney Inflammation):
    • Acute Glomerulonephritis: Rapid onset, often due to infections.
    • Chronic Glomerulonephritis: Slow progression, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.
  • Prostatitis (Prostate Inflammation):
    • Acute Prostatitis: Rapid onset, usually bacterial.
    • Chronic Prostatitis: Long-term inflammation, often with chronic pelvic pain.
  • Diarrhoea:
    • Acute <14 days
    • Persistent < 30 days
    • Chronic > 30 days