What do we call a sudden condition requiring immediate treatment?

The term "acute condition" is used to describe a sudden onset of a medical problem that typically requires prompt and often immediate treatment. Acute conditions are characterized by their rapid development and severity, which can lead to serious health implications if not addressed quickly. For example, an acute illness could include a heart attack, stroke, or a sudden asthma attack.

In contrast, chronic conditions are long-lasting and often require ongoing management but do not generally arise suddenly or require immediate intervention. A stable condition refers to a state where a patient's health status is consistent and does not fluctuate, indicating that no immediate action is needed. Emergency conditions encompass a broader range of medical situations that demand urgent care but might not specifically refer to the sudden onset compared to acute conditions. Hence, acute condition is the most accurate term for describing a sudden situation demanding immediate attention.