Many individuals confuse the difference between an acute disease and a chronic disease. An acute disease lasts for just a short time, but can begin rapidly and have intense symptoms. In contrast, a chronic disease produces symptoms for quite some time, lasting for three months or more.

Often, people are confused as to what constitutes an acute disease. They believe an acute disease is always severe. In reality, an acute disease can be mild, severe, or even fatal. The term acute does not indicate the severity of the disease. Instead, it indicates how long the disease lasts and how quickly it develops. Examples of acute diseases include colds, influenza, and strep throat.

A chronic disease is persistent. It lasts for a long period of time and may recur. Like an acute disease, a chronic disease can be mild, severe, or fatal. Examples of chronic diseases include kidney disease, cancer, and diabetes. Unlike an acute disease, a chronic disease is likely to develop over time instead of having a sudden onset.

Some acute diseases may resolve themselves, without requiring significant medical attention or treatment. For example, an individual may recover from influenza at home, without taking prescription medications or requiring the care of a physician. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an acute disease that often requires medical care and prescription medication. Frequently, hospitalization is required as well.

Chronic diseases often require the care of a medical professional and the use of prescription medications. Sometimes, hospitalization is required as well. For an example, an individual with diabetes may need to see a doctor on a regular basis and take prescribed medications. An individual with kidney disease may require professional medical care, medication, and dialysis. Frequently, medical intervention may make an individual with a chronic disease more comfortable, but usually chronic diseases cannot be cured.

In the United States alone, there are more than 90 million individuals struggling with chronic diseases. Around the world, the numbers are even more staggering. The most common chronic diseases include heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. All of these diseases are potentially life threatening.