What do long term effect and short term effect mean?

Answer 1

A short term effect is what can happen within a short period of time. For examples:

• I have a restless night's sleep. The next morning (short term), I am cranky, tired, and don't feel up to par.
• I am allergic to peanuts. I eat one peanut and have a mild allergic reaction.
• I take a medication to treat my allergic reaction to eating one peanut. Depending on the type of medication, I have either an immediate effect or within an hour.
• I fall on ice. I have pain in my ankle. After 10 days or so, my ankle is fine.

A long term effect is what can happen over a long period of time. For examples:

• I never sleep well. I average 6 hours sleep but it is interrupted sleep. After a month, I can experience a range of problems with attention, motivation, performance, etc.
• I never have been allergic to anything I eat. Allergies occur from repeated exposures. Suddenly, I develop a new allergy to peanuts.
• I take medications every day to prevent allergy attacks. Over time, our bodies don't process the same medication the same way. My med becomes less effective long term.
• I fell on 3 different occasions; I hurt the same ankle each time. I develop chronic pain in my ankle. I have to wear an ankle brace and need pain meds after I walk.

Note: The above examples are very simplistic. Short and Long term effects can be complicated.