Bronchitis or pneumonia? The doctor named the important differences

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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between bronchitis and pneumonia? In this article, we will explain the differences between these two respiratory diseases and help you recognize the symptoms.

Bronchitis or pneumonia?

Bronchitis and pneumonia are respiratory diseases, but they affect different parts of the lungs and have different symptoms and approaches to treatment.

“There are two main forms of bronchitis: simple chronic bronchitis, in which the bronchi become chronically inflamed, and obstructive chronic bronchitis , in which the chronically inflamed bronchi are additionally narrowed,” says the therapist.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which is usually caused by viruses. It often clears up on its own within a few days, but it can also lead to complications.

Causes

A viral infection is usually the cause of acute bronchitis. Various viruses can cause respiratory infections such as colds, flu, or sinus infections. Less commonly, bacteria are responsible for acute bronchitis.

Other rare causes include inhalation of pollutants, which can be present, for example, in smoke from a fire or to which one may be exposed in the workplace (for example, during unprotected welding work). Fungi are the cause only in exceptional cases.

When inhaled, viruses or bacteria enter the body. There they can settle on the mucous membrane and multiply.

“To fight the invaders, the body responds with inflammation. The mucous membrane swells and secretes more fluid and mucus, which allows viruses, bacteria and dead cells to be coughed up.”

Typical symptoms:

• Productive cough
• Possibly fever
• Headache, neck and body aches
• Hoarseness.

Lung infection

“Pneumonia is an infectious disease in which the alveoli or lung tissue become damaged by inflammation and can no longer function normally. It is usually caused by bacteria, but can also be viral or fungal.”

Causes

Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria. They usually depend on where the infection is: if someone gets sick at home, the most common are so-called pneumococcus. People who get pneumonia in the hospital often come into contact with other people infected with these bacteria, which are harder to treat.

Pneumonia is caused by viruses and, even more rarely, fungi. Another exception is pneumonia, which is not caused by germs but by things like radiation, toxic toxins, an allergic reaction, or problems with blood circulation in the lungs.

Symptoms of pneumonia are usually more serious and may include other conditions, such as:

• A dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Increased breathing rate.

“Pneumonia, especially if not treated promptly, can lead to serious complications and even death.”

What are the important differences?

While both conditions may have similar symptoms, there are key differences. Bronchitis is typically characterized by a chronic cough with phlegm. Importantly, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to the successful treatment of both bronchitis and pneumonia.