Acute Diseases

At some point in our lives we will all experience a health problem, whether it’s the common cold or the pesky flu. While some will go away on their own, there are health issues that require urgent medical attention, and it’s important to know when to seek proper treatment.

What Is An Acute Disease?

An acute disease appears suddenly and lasts for a short amount of time. This is different from chronic diseases, which develop gradually and remain for months on end. Some examples include the influenza virus and the common cold.

Acute diseases can include these common symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Earache
  • Diarrhea
  • Runny nose
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Headache

Through a physical examination and identifying your symptoms, your doctor can provide a diagnosis and individualized treatment plan to care for your acute illness.

Serious Acute Illnesses

Many acute diseases can be self-limiting and may go away on their own, or can be treated with a simple course of antibiotics or other prescription medications. There are some acute diseases, however, that come on suddenly and produce life-threatening symptoms. These include:

  • Heart attack
  • Asthma attack
  • Pneumonia
  • Appendicitis
  • Organ failure
  • Acute bronchitis

These more serious acute diseases require urgent medical care. If you suspect you may have a severe acute illness, it’s important that you call 911 or go to your local emergency room. By seeking treatment for your acute illness as soon as possible, you lessen the chance for further complications or other long-term health issues.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither Jaime Rivas Physician, PC, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (203) 274-6843.