Bronchitis is defined as the inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. While Pneumonia is a medical condition that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. For severe cases of Bronchitis or Pneumonia, you must reach out to the best pulmonology hospital.
Both the types of infections affect breathing and can cause intense pain and coughing. However, there are some significant differences between them the two types of diseases.
Let’s Check Out the Difference between Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Bronchitis is marked by continuous cough which brings up mucus. It may be accompanied by chest tightness, a low fever, and shortness of breath. There are two types of bronchitis. These are known as acute and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually goes away within a few days to weeks. While chronic bronchitis is one form of COPD and can occur for several months at a time.
Pneumonia is type of infection caused in one or both the lungs. It can emerge from the bacteria, virus, or possibly fungi. These can be acquired by airborne sources. Also, it can occur when bacteria or viruses in the nose and sinuses spread to the lungs.
These days there are a number of discussions going on about how Coronavirus effect lungs? But, we also need to be aware of the diseases such as Bronchitis and Pneumonia which can have adverse effect on the lungs.
Causes of Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia
In the case of bronchitis, germs get inside the bronchial tubes of your lungs and cause irritation. Many a times, a cold or other kinds of respiratory infection turns into bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis may be caused by frequent exposure to things that irritate your lungs.
Pneumonia results from a virus, bacteria, or fungi. Bacterial pneumonia is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. Viral pneumonia is caused due to the influenza virus.
The main difference between the cause of Bronchitis and Pneumonia is that Bronchitis occurs when germs or irritants make their way into your bronchial tubes. While Pneumonia happens when these enter your alveoli or the small air sacs in your lungs.
Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia Symptoms
The symptoms of bronchitis depend on whether it’s acute or chronic in nature. Usually, the symptoms of acute bronchitis are very similar to those of an upper respiratory infection, such as fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, fever, body aches and mild headache.
Chronic bronchitis causes a persistent cough that often lasts for at least three months. The Chronic Bronchitis is part of a group of medical conditions called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue and chest discomfort.
The symptoms of pneumonia include fatigue, high fever, shaking chills chest pain (especially when you breathe deeply or cough), sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, shortness of breath or even blue coloured lips from lack of oxygen.
Can Bronchitis Turn to Pneumonia?
Bronchitis is type of infection of the airways that lead to your lungs. And, Pneumonia is an infection inside one or both lungs. If bronchitis is not treated, the infection can travel from the airways into the lungs causing Pneumonia.
How can Bronchitis and Pneumonia be Treated?
Treatments for bronchitis and pneumonia depends on the underlying cause, such as bacterial or viral. Most cases of bacterial pneumonia and acute bronchitis can be effectively treated with antibiotics. In case you have chronic bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe a breathing treatment or steroid drug. The medicine will help to minimize inflammation and clear mucus from your lungs. However, for severe cases, your doctor might also prescribe supplemental oxygen to help you breathe. It is also essential to give up smoking or avoid exposure to the substances that cause bronchitis.
For earlier recovery, you may follow some of the crucial tips such as drink plenty of fluids to loosen up the mucus in your lungs. You must avoid consumption of caffeine and alcohol which can be dehydrating. You may take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to reduce a fever and soothe body aches. And, you can turn on a humidifier to loosen up the mucus in your lungs.
If you feel like you have either bronchitis or pneumonia, you must reach out to a good pulmonologist near your locality.
