This can be the case with a bronchial infection that spread down into the lungs. There is also a link between the two conditions in that many things on the list of irritants that cause bronchitis such as cigarette smoke, dust, and air pollution can also damage lung tissue, possibly making you more prone to infection. At first it can be hard to tell the difference between these two kinds of upper respiratory infection, but as time goes by and your symptoms progress, there are a few telltale signs your doctor can look for that signal the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia.
Pneumonia is often accompanied by more severe symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. In older adults there can also be mental confusion, and in extreme cases your lips may begin turning blue from lack of oxygen. There are different types of bronchitis, and there can be differences in how they are treated.
Acute bronchitis is often treated with antibiotics, as bacterial infections are often found to be the cause. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a long-term inflammation rather than a unique infection caused by viruses or bacteria you encounter. This form of airway irritation is considered a version of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. This category of diseases contains other serious illnesses such as asthma and chronic emphysema.
Since bronchial infections are often caused by viruses, antibacterial medicines are not effective in helping you get better. Steroid inhalers are often prescribed to help fight inflammation, open up your airways, and generally help you breathe better.
If your doctor has determined that your infection is mild and does not require significant medical intervention, you may be told to go home, rest up, and use over-the-counter medication to ease your symptoms until the infection clears up on its own. Using a humidifier also can help ease irritation that can come from breathing dry winter air. Pneumonia is a serious condition that has the potential to permanently harm your lungs or even develop into a much more serious condition called bacteremia.
Full respiratory failure is even possible in extreme cases. As a result, treatment for pneumonia can be more involved than for bronchitis. In cases of pneumonia that are caused by bacteria, your doctor will put you on antibiotics to help your body fight off the infection. This can be an effective tool to help put you on the path to health, but it will only work if bacteria are the cause of your pneumonia.
If viruses are to blame, your treatment will look different. As is the case with viral bronchitis, steroid inhalers or other anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to help manage the inflammation response your body produces when infections are present. Additionally, getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medication for pain and other symptoms if allowed by your doctor will give your body its greatest chance of recovering quickly.
When it comes to treating pneumonia, bronchitis, or any other serious upper respiratory infection, it is wise to err on the side of safety. Long term lung damage, or even respiratory failure, is possible if infections are left untreated. This is particularly true if you have risk factors such as a history of smoking, COPD, or a chronically weakened immune system.
However, they each affect different parts of your lungs:. Sometimes, bronchitis can turn into pneumonia. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two conditions. You can tell the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia by checking for other symptoms.
Symptoms of acute bronchitis are very similar to those of an upper respiratory infection , such as:. Acute bronchitis symptoms usually get better within a few days, but the cough can stick around for a few weeks. Learn more about how long bronchitis symptoms can last. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, causes a persistent cough that often lasts for at least three months. You might also feel that your cough goes through cycles of getting better and worse.
Chronic bronchitis is part of a group of conditions called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. COPD also includes chronic emphysema and asthma. Pneumonia symptoms are usually more severe than those of bronchitis. Acute bronchitis and pneumonia are both caused by an infection, while chronic bronchitis is caused by lung irritation. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus.
In both viral and bacterial bronchitis, germs enter the bronchial tubes of your lungs and cause irritation. Sometimes, a cold or other respiratory infection turns into bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is caused by frequent exposure to things that irritate your lungs, such as cigarette smoke, polluted air, or dust. Pneumonia usually results from a virus, bacteria, or fungi. Inhaling irritants can also cause it.
When these germs or irritants enter the alveoli in your lungs, you can develop pneumonia. Bronchitis occurs when germs or irritants make their way into your bronchial tubes. Pneumonia happens when these enter your alveoli, which are small air sacs in your lungs. Crackling, bubbling, whistling, or rattling sounds could be signs that you have either bronchitis or pneumonia.
Treatment is also dependent upon a diagnosis of acute versus chronic bronchitis. Here are some of the most common bronchitis treatments:.
Pneumonia is most commonly treated with medications, though the type of medication will vary based on the underlying cause. Here are some of the most common pneumonia treatments you could speak with your doctor about:. Some people have a higher risk of getting bronchitis than others. Risk factors for bronchitis include:. Doctors and researchers have come up with proven ways to prevent and lessen the spread of bronchitis. These include washing hands frequently with soap and water, not smoking, avoiding irritants like secondhand smoke whenever possible, and staying up to date with vaccinations.
The same precautions that prevent bronchitis can help prevent pneumonia too. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, not smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke and other irritants, and staying up to date on vaccinations are all very important.
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines and several other vaccines that can prevent bacterial and viral infections that might lead to pneumonia. People with weakened immune systems, underlying health conditions, older adults, and young children should see a doctor if they have pneumonia because pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition. Some bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia, like the cold and flu viruses, can be contagious.
If caught, they could potentially lead to pneumonia. Symptoms of acute bronchitis can last anywhere from one to two weeks, though some people may still have symptoms for up to three weeks.
Chronic bronchitis lasts for at least three months and can persist for several years on and off. For some people, chronic bronchitis will never completely go away. Mild cases of pneumonia typically last a week or two, but more severe cases can result in symptoms that last six weeks or more.
Pneumonia symptoms are usually more severe than bronchitis symptoms.
0コメント