Which term is used to describe an illness that recurs at intervals?

The term "intermittent" is used to describe an illness that recurs at intervals, meaning that the symptoms or episodes of the condition come and go rather than being constant. This characteristic of an intermittent illness suggests that the patient experiences periods of symptoms followed by periods of relief or absence of symptoms. This term is particularly useful in medical contexts to accurately communicate the pattern of disease activity, which can vary significantly from chronic conditions that persist over long periods or acute conditions that are severe but short in duration.

For example, intermittent asthma might involve flare-ups triggered by specific allergens or activities, while the patient may experience periods without symptoms in between these episodes. Understanding this term is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment plans, as it impacts how healthcare providers manage and monitor the patient's condition.

In contrast, chronic refers to a long-lasting condition that persists over time without significant relief, acute describes a sudden onset and short duration of a condition, and stable suggests a condition that is not currently changing or worsening.