What term describes a condition that is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention?

The term that describes a condition that is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention is "acute." In medical terminology, an acute condition is one that comes on suddenly and is often severe in nature, demanding prompt intervention to prevent further complications or worsening of the patient's health. For example, acute conditions can include a heart attack or a severe asthma attack, both of which necessitate immediate care.

In contrast, "benign" refers to conditions that are not harmful or lifethreatening, often indicating a mild or non-threatening disease. "Chronic" pertains to conditions that are long-lasting and typically persist over time but may not necessarily require urgent attention when stable. "Latent" describes a state in which a disease is present but inactive or not causing symptoms at that moment, depending on the context. Thus, in the realm of urgent medical conditions, "acute" is the term that best captures the essence of needing immediate treatment.