by | Feb 2, 2024 | Healthy Living
Are Bronchitis and Pneumonia the Same Thing?
If you are feeling under the weather and suffering from cold-like symptoms such as coughing a lot, increased mucus production, and a mild fever you may have a form of bronchitis. If your symptoms include rapid breathing, a high fever, and sweating—you might have contracted a form of pneumonia.
Bronchitis and pneumonia both affect your breathing but in different ways. Bronchitis is an infection of the lining of the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs, while pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli, the little balloon-shaped air sacs inside the lungs.
Our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team has provided helpful facts about bronchitis and pneumonia below. Continue reading to learn more about these diseases and how they differ.
What Causes Bronchitis?
There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is typically viral and is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19.
Chronic bronchitis is not caused by a virus or bacterium. The main cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking, however, air pollution such as dust and gases in your home or work environment may also play a role.
Common Acute Bronchitis Symptoms
- Cough
- Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray, or green in color—rarely, it may be streaked with blood
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Slight fever and chills
- Chest discomfort Typical Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms
- Cough, often called smoker’s cough
- Coughing up mucus (expectoration)
- Wheezing
- Chest discomfort
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchial tube lining that never completely goes away. Those with it tend to be more susceptible to lung infections and, when symptoms flare, can also develop acute bronchitis at the same time.
What Causes Pneumonia?
There are over 30 different causes of pneumonia including bacteria, viruses, and fungi and only about a third of cases are caused by viruses. Pneumonia can also form after or in conjunction with a bout with either form of bronchitis. Medical care is usually needed for bacterial pneumonia which tends to be the most severe form and its symptoms can develop quickly or gradually. Children under two and adults older than 65 both represent higher risk groups.
Common Pneumonia Symptoms
- Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow, or even bloody mucus
- Fever, sweating, and shaking chills
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
- Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting, especially in small children
- Confusion, especially in older people
Do you think you may have bronchitis or pneumonia? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road to get the treatment you need today.
