Chronic vs Acute Illness
Health concerns are usually classified as either acute or chronic:
Acute illnesses most often begin abruptly and last only a short time. Most people with an acute illness can expect to return to normal health. A strep throat is an example of an acute illness; it is easy to diagnose with a lab test and is cured with antibiotics.
Chronic diseases are different. They usually develop slowly, last a long time, and are often progressive and incurable. For many chronic diseases, there is no cure. The long-term effects of a chronic illness may be difficult to predict. Some conditions cause few problems. Others cause only episodic problems or symptoms that can be controlled with medication. In some cases, however, a chronic disease may severely limit a person's ability to work, go to school, or take care of routine needs.
Some Chronic Diseases
Some Common Concerns
Despite the wide variety of chronic diseases, there are many common concerns for those who live with them:
- Knowing how to recognize and respond to changes in a chronic disease.
- Dealing with problems and emergencies.
- Using medicines and treatments effectively.
- Finding and using community resources.
- Getting enough exercise.
- Coping with fatigue, pain, and sleep problems.
- Maintaining good nutrition.
- Making decisions about when to seek medical help.
- Working with doctor(s) and other care providers.
- Talking about the illness with family and friends.
- Managing work, family, and social activities.
If you are suffering from a chronic disease, it is important that you work together with your doctor to develop a treatment plan to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
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