Acute is the medical term to describe the nature of a disease, sign, symptom or condition. It refers to an illness that is of a sudden onset or of a short duration. Acute can also be used as an adjective to describe a severe state of a condition. Often the term acute is used in contrast to the medical term chronic. In this case the difference lies between an illness that is short lived (acute) compared to an illness that is long term or persistent (chronic).

For example : Acute pain refers to pain that may have come on suddenly and is only present for a few days or even weeks. If the pain persists and is ongoing, it will be considered as chronic.

Another medical term related to acute is subacute. This means that the symptom or illness is not yet chronic but has passed the acute phase. It may also indicate that the condition is not as severe as the acute stage. Acute, subacute and chronic may be used as a reference to time where acute refers to a condition that is present for less than 1 month, while subacute denotes a condition that is persisting for 1 to 3 months and chronic refers to any illness or ailment that is present for 3 months or longer.

Examples of acute disorders include acute diarrhea and acute abdominal pain.


Further Reading :
  • Mucous Colitis ~ Medical Terminology
  • Bloated Abdomen or Distended Tummy ~ Medical Terminology
  • Home Remedy ~ Medical Terminology