Acute health conditions occur suddenly, whereas chronic conditions produce symptoms that are ongoing. Occasionally, chronic illnesses produce acute conditions. Osteoporosis, which is a chronic condition, may cause a patient to break a bone, which requires acute care. Acute conditions can also occur independently of chronic illnesses. Examples include injuries, headaches, sudden chest pains, first-time asthma attacks, and contagious diseases like chicken pox. Sometimes, an acute health problem can lead to the discovery and diagnosis of an underlying chronic condition, such as cardiovascular disease. It is important to seek medical attention for any health complication, whether chronic or acute.
