What characterizes acute conditions?

Acute conditions are marked by a sudden onset, meaning they develop rapidly and can manifest symptoms quickly. These types of conditions are typically of short duration and often treatable, which is a key characteristic that differentiates them from chronic conditions. The treatability aspect indicates that with appropriate medical intervention, an individual can often recover fully or manage the symptoms effectively in a relatively short time frame.

In contrast, conditions that last for many years or require long-term support are generally chronic in nature, while acute conditions are not associated with terminal illnesses, as the latter implies that the condition leads to death within a relatively short period and often cannot be treated effectively. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the sudden nature and potential for treatment associated with acute conditions.