Diseases that occur suddenly and for a short time are considered acute. There will only be a few days or weeks between them. Acute illnesses tend to be caused by viruses and infections, but they can also be caused by overuse of drugs or treatments, falls, car accidents, or other injuries.
Acute illnesses like the common cold and influenza are pretty easy to recognize, but they can cause severe symptoms and complications in some organ systems. It can include the digestive system, respiratory system, eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, and bladder.
The most common acute conditions are:
Most acute diseases are self-limiting and can be treated with antibiotics or other prescription medications. There are, however, some acute diseases that develop suddenly and produce life-threatening symptoms. Among them are:
When urgent or short-term care is provided, these conditions generally improve rapidly. Sometimes, as with the common cold, symptoms go away on their own. Recovery usually takes a short time. Self-management can contribute a long way toward preventing acute diseases from occurring, but if they are unavoidable and severe, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Once treated, acute diseases improve quickly, develop unique symptoms, and require immediate or short-term treatment. A fractured bone caused by a fall, for example, must be treated by a doctor and will heal over time. Some acute diseases, such as the common cold, can quietly disappear on their own.
The answer is no. Over-the-counter medications can manage many minor acute conditions, such as allergies, the common cold, and PMS. Any disease, infection, or sudden onset of serious symptoms like high fever, however, should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. It is imperative to evaluate even seemingly harmless symptoms if they persist or worsen. Failure to treat some acute illnesses can cause life-threatening conditions, including sepsis, organ failure, and death.