Acute distress

What does "Acute distress" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

"Acute distress" in medicine refers to a state of severe discomfort or strain, often due to a sudden health issue. This could be physical, like severe pain or difficulty breathing, or emotional, like extreme anxiety or panic. It's a serious condition that usually requires immediate medical attention. The term "acute" means it comes on quickly and is intense, rather than being a long-term or chronic problem.

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