Acute disease
Acute disease
Acute disease (pronounced: /əˈkjuːt diːˈziːz/) is a term used in medicine to describe a disease or disorder that comes on rapidly and lasts a short time. The term is derived from the Latin word "acutus", meaning "sharp" or "severe".
Etymology
The term "acute" comes from the Latin "acutus", meaning "sharp" or "severe". It was first used in this context in the early 17th century.
Definition
An acute disease is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, a short course, and often, a severe effect. This is in contrast to chronic diseases, which develop slowly and last for a long time. Acute diseases can be mild, like a cold or influenza, or severe, like heart attack or stroke.
Examples
Examples of acute diseases include appendicitis, pneumonia, meningitis, and gastroenteritis. These diseases often require immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Related Terms
- Chronic disease: A disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects. The term chronic is often applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months.
- Subacute disease: A disease with a course that is intermediate between acute and chronic.
- Infectious disease: Diseases caused by biological agents, which can be transmitted to others, rather than by genetic, physical or chemical agents.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acute disease
- Wikipedia's article - Acute disease
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