Acute and chronic disease management provides comprehensive care for both short-term and long-term illnesses. At Sycamore Medical Clinic, internal medicine physician Michael Gorby, MD, PA, and the team provide acute and chronic disease management to people 13 and older. To make an appointment at the practice in Palestine, Texas, call the office, or click the online booking feature today.
Acute and chronic disease management diagnoses, treats, and prevents various health problems.
There are several differences between acute and chronic diseases:
An acute disease occurs suddenly and lasts for several days or weeks. Common examples of acute conditions include the common cold, the seasonal flu, and strep throat.
Chronic diseases develop gradually over an extended period. There’s no cure for these ailments, but with early intervention and treatment, it’s possible to manage them and keep them from getting worse.
Acute and chronic conditions occur for different reasons:
Acute conditions often occur due to a virus or bacteria. You might also suffer an acute injury due to a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or a sports injury.
Chronic conditions don’t always present obvious symptoms. They often occur due to changes in the body caused by the natural aging process or unhealthy lifestyle choices, like smoking or living a sedentary lifestyle.
At Sycamore Medical Clinic, the team uses acute disease management to treat various conditions, including:
You might benefit from chronic disease management if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, or arthritis.
Anyone who gets sick or experiences an injury can benefit from acute and chronic disease management. Most acute illnesses respond to at-home treatments like over-the-counter medication, rest, and drinking plenty of fluids.
If your symptoms persist for more than a day or two or they get worse, make an appointment at Sycamore Medical Clinic right away. The same rule applies if you develop unusual symptoms that last for weeks or even months, like unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, or fatigue.
The sooner the team can identify the cause of your discomfort, the sooner they can help you feel better.
The treatment for acute and chronic diseases varies, depending on the underlying condition and the severity of your symptoms.
Most acute conditions respond to at-home treatments like rest, over-the-counter medication, and drinking plenty of fluids. You might also benefit from prescription antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
Chronic conditions typically require a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and behavioral modification. For example, if you have arthritis, the team might recommend losing weight, eating a more nutritious diet, and taking anti-inflammatory medication.
To learn more about acute and chronic disease management, make an appointment at Sycamore Medical Clinic by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
