Experiencing an upper respiratory infection can make you feel pretty miserable. While infections like pneumonia and bronchitis can cause a wide variety of symptoms, one that they both share is the arrival of a deep cough.

It can be hard to diagnose yourself at home, so it is important to come see us when you don’t feel well! Both of these illnesses are respiratory conditions, but they may need to be treated differently in order for you to fully recover.

Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team has laid out the differences between bronchitis and pneumonia below, so check it out!

What Causes Bronchitis and Pneumonia?

Just like any infection, bronchitis and pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses and even fungi. It is even a possibility to develop pneumonia due to aspirating, or breathing in, something you shouldn’t have, like a piece of food.

Bronchitis irritates your bronchial tubes, while pneumonia infects your alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. Both respiratory systems can be easily irritated by an infection, which can cause a variety of symptoms. Pneumonia causes your alveoli to fill with fluid, and it can make it hard to breathe normally. Since your alveoli are in charge of transporting oxygen into your blood, it could become a serious situation quickly.

Symptoms of an Upper Respiratory Infection

• Difficulty taking a full breath
• Deep cough with clear or green mucus
• Chest tightness
• Fever

How Can I Tell What Infection Is Making Me Sick?

When it comes to bronchitis and pneumonia, it can often be hard to tell on your own. While both illnesses can produce similar symptoms and make you feel pretty bad, pneumonia often produces more severe symptoms or makes you feel worse in general. You can experience body chills, sweating or a general achiness all over your body.

Come see us if you don’t feel well! We can do a full evaluation of your condition and can perform an X-ray to give us an inside look into where your infection is located. Once we know where it is, we have a much better idea of what your diagnosis will be.

Visit AFC for These Symptoms

• High fever that lasts for days
• Chest pain trouble breathing
• Blood in your mucus
• Fatigue and confusion

Do you have a concerning cough? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Gastonia today.