Introduction: Bronchitis vs Pneumonia
Bronchitis and pneumonia have very similar symptoms and, therefore, can be easily confused. People may not be able to tell the difference between these two without a proper medical diagnosis.Rahul suffered from a severe throat sore, with fever and cough. He experienced fatigue and difficulties in breathing. On a medical diagnosis, it was revealed that he showed symptoms of Bronchitis and was recommended medication.
Karan, a resident of the same building who frequented Rahul's house, began showing similar symptoms. It was assumed that he had bronchitis due to the disease being highly transmissible. But on a medical diagnosis, it was revealed that Karan had Pneumonia and not Bronchitis.
Difference Between Bronchitis vs Pneumonia
Bronchitis:
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carries air from the windpipe to the lungs.The two major types of Bronchitis are-
- Acute Bronchitis: This is a more common type of Bronchitis that affects most people with the disease and is only rarely fatal. Acute bronchitis has different forms depending upon the causes.
- Chronic Bronchitis: Ongoing inflammation of the trachea is known as chronic bronchitis. It is a type of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Causes of Bronchitis:
These are the major causes of Bronchitis-- Viral bronchitis is caused by the invasion of viruses such as the flu or common cold that causes cough and breathing problems in an individual.
- Bacterial bronchitis is caused by bacterial infections following a different illness that causes difficulties in breathing.
- Fungal infections that cause bronchitis
- Exposure to lung irritants such as smoke, dust, vapours, fumes, tobacco, and other air pollutants, can also cause bronchitis.
Symptoms of Bronchitis:
Here are some bronchitis symptoms- Mucus produced by cold or cough
- The colour of the mucus is observed to be yellow or green, or even clear
- Feeling feverish or having chills
- Being unable to breathe, especially when lying down
- A severely sore throat
- A tightened or full feeling chest
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue and body ache
Treatment of Bronchitis:
Bronchitis is usually viral and hence, does not respond to antibiotics. Remedies for relieving the severity of bronchitis are-- Rest can boost the immune system and help in recovering from the infection
- Drinking a lot of fluids and keeping yourself hydrated can prevent dehydration-associated illnesses such as dizziness and headache.
- Pain relief medication such as Asprin can help relieve body aches and pains.
- Medication for cough
- Making use of a humidifier to ease cough can help in thinning out mucus and draining it away.
Quitting smoking can prevent the risk of bronchitis and also further damages to the airways.
Transmissibility:
Viruses that cause bronchitis are highly transmissible through surfaces touched by an affected person and then by a non0affected person within a short period.Here are ways to reduce the spread-
- Washing hands and using sanitisers
- Covering the mouth or nose while coughing or sneezing
- Not exposing unclean hands to the nose, mouth, or eyes
- Avoiding the contact of people who have been affected by bronchitis recently
Pneumonia:
Pneumonia affects the air sacs of the lungs and causes inflammation. It may be viral, fungal, or bacterial.Causes of Pneumonia:
- Viral infections
- Bronchitis
Symptoms of Pneumonia:
Here are some signs of pneumonia- Severe cold
- Yellow, green, or bloody mucus
- Fever and fatigue
- Sore throat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- A state of confusion may be caused in older people
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
Treatment of Pneumonia:
Here’s how to learn about pneumonia treatment:Pneumonia caused by a fungus can be treated through antifungals while bacterial pneumonia, through antibiotics. The viral form of pneumonia has no treatments as such.
Remedies to help pneumonia:
- Pain relief medication
- Resting up
- Intake of lots of fluids
- Using humidifiers
- Cough medication
