You have a runny nose and a bad cough, and you seem to have chest congestion. How do you know if it’s a common cold or a respiratory illness? Bronchitis and Pneumonia are the two most common terms we encounter regarding respiratory diseases. Both are respiratory issues and have pretty similar symptoms.
So, how do you differentiate between them? A pulmonologist in Navi Mumbai can help you determine whether it’s pneumonia, bronchitis, or a common cold. In the meantime, here’s all you should know about these respiratory conditions.
Understanding Bronchitis
Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes, which carry oxygen to the lungs. These tubes can become infected, inflamed, and swollen. It can be acute or caused by viruses or bacteria.
Causes of Bronchitis
Viruses mainly cause bronchitis, but in some cases, bacteria can be the culprit. In either case, the germs enter your bronchial tubes, and as your body tries to fight off the infection, the tubes get inflamed and swollen, making breathing difficult. Chronic bronchitis occurs in people who smoke cigarettes, inhale polluted air regularly, and live in a dusty environment.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis lasts a few weeks. Common symptoms include:
- A feeling of heaviness and fullness in the chest
- Yellow, green, or clear mucus
- Excessive coughing
- Runny nose
- Wheezing noise during breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and chills
- Sore throat
Treatment of Bronchitis
Bronchitis can go away on its own within a few weeks. If it’s caused by bacteria, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. Inhalers are recommended for people with asthma, allergies, and chronic bronchitis. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or quitting work in a place that exposes you to irritants and harmful chemicals.
Understanding Pneumonia
Pneumonia affects the tiny air sacs called alveoli, which carry oxygen into the bloodstream. An infection can fill these air sacs with mucus, affecting their ability to contract and expand normally.
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. It happens when the germ enters the alveoli, which get swollen and filled with fluid as your immune system fights the infection. Pneumonia is more common in older people, babies, and people with weakened immunity.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia has similar symptoms to bronchitis. People with pneumonia experience:
- Cough that produces green or yellow mucus
- Chest tightness
- Chills and sweating
- Nausea
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Blue lips
Treatment of Pneumonia
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause of the infection. If it’s bacterial, antibiotics are prescribed. If it’s viral, antiviral drugs can relieve your symptoms. Hospitalization might be needed in severe cases, although that’s not common.
Key Differences between Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Bronchitis occurs in the bronchial tubes, while pneumonia affects the air sacs. Bronchitis is mostly caused by viruses. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is bacterial but can be caused by viruses and fungi. Symptoms of pneumonia are more severe and can include confusion and blue lips, while bronchitis has flu-like symptoms, which aren’t that serious.
Conclusion
See your doctor immediately if you have a severe cough with mucus, shortness of breath, or chest pain. The sooner you get respiratory disorder treatment in Navi Mumbai, the faster you will recover.