Is it bronchitis or pneumonia?
Knowing the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia can be confusing. While they are two separate illnesses, there are a few similarities.
“Essentially, bronchitis and pneumonia are respiratory infections that can cause infection and inflammation in different parts of the lungs,” said Heather Malcomson, NP, a primary care nurse practitioner with Strawberry Hill Primary Care in Hyannis. “Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes, which are the larger airways that lead to the lungs, and pneumonia affects the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.”
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms that can differentiate bronchitis from pneumonia, according to Malcomson, are:
Bronchitis:
- A persistent cough that can be productive
- Occasional chest discomfort
- Fatigue
- Mild fever
- Wheezing
- Typically mild and self-limiting (usually tends to go away on its own without treatment)
- Acute symptoms last one to three weeks.
- Chronic bronchitis in patients who have an underlying lung condition can last three months or more.
Pneumonia:
- High fever
- Chills
- Productive sputum (thick mucus that you cough up) that can be green, yellow or blood-tinged
- Shortness of breath
- Pleuritic chest pain (sudden, intense sharp, stabbing pain in the chest when inhaling and exhaling especially with a deep breath)
- Can be mild but also severe and life-threatening
- Mild pneumonia lasts a couple of weeks, severe cases can last many months because it can take a long time for your body to recover.
Treatment
If a diagnosis of pneumonia is confirmed, an antibiotic would be the required treatment, but it would generally not be in the case of bronchitis. “I like to encourage healthy, home treatments for symptoms, such as honey in your tea, soup, room humidifiers, steam, pushing oral fluids to thin the mucous, and over-the counter medications such as a cough suppressant, and Tylenol or Advil for fever,” said Malcomson. “I may need to prescribe an inhaler if there is wheezing, and/or an antibiotic, if the patient had a sudden and severe onset of symptoms or is getting sicker, which are indications of a bacterial infection.”
Prevention is Key
“While bronchitis typically follows a cold or other respiratory infection, pneumonia can be a complication of flu or COVID-19, especially in older adults, young children and those with compromised immune systems,” said Malcomson. “It is important to stay up to date on vaccinations, especially COVID-19 and flu. We’ve especially seen pneumonia in patients with COVID. There is also a pneumonia vaccine that is recommended for children, older adults and those who have an impaired immune system.”
Malcomson stressed the importance of eating a healthy diet, especially fruits, vegetables and whole grains; staying hydrated; getting exercise and plenty of sleep; reducing stress; which can all keep our immune systems healthy. Additionally, no smoking or being around second-hand smoke.
Good Hygiene Practices
Tips for good hygiene to avoid infections, according to Malcomson, are:
- Good handwashing: Wash your hands well to prevent spreading viruses and bacteria.
- Avoid touching your face, which reduces germ exposure through your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Disinfect surfaces like phones, door handles, keyboards and anything that can harbor viruses and bacteria.
- Wear a mask if you feel like you are getting sick and are going to be around others.
- Wear a mask in crowded places to protect yourself from others who may be sick.
“Above all, if you are not getting better or feeling worse when you have a respiratory infection, it is worth getting checked by your provider, especially if you have any underlying conditions,” said Malcomson.
