Is it bronchitis or pneumonia?
Respiratory conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia symptoms are often hard to differentiate, but this guide can help. Bronchitis and pneumonia both affect the lungs and share some common symptoms, but they are different diseases that require different treatment. Here’s how you can tell the difference.
What is acute bronchitis (chest cold)?
Acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, typically develops from a cold or other respiratory infection, is typically viral (cannot be treated with antibiotics), and will often clear up on its own within a few weeks; however, can occasionally worsen and develop into pneumonia.
What can I do to ease the symptoms of bronchitis?
To help ease your symptoms, you can do many of the same things as with bronchitis: And again, it’s best to avoid cough medicines. In fact, there’s actually very little proof that they can help with the cough you get from pneumonia. Pneumonia usually runs its course within a few weeks with treatment, but you may be tired for as long as a month.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
The most common symptoms of pneumonia can include the same symptoms of bronchitis: Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
What are the treatment options for bronchitis and pneumonia?
Treatments for both bronchitis and pneumonia depend on the underlying cause, such as whether it’s bacterial or viral. Bacterial pneumonia and acute bronchitis are both treated with antibiotics. For viral cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug.
What is the difference between COPD and pneumonia?
Additional symptoms of COPD, including chronic bronchitis, include: Pneumonia also usually comes with a cough that sometimes produces yellow or green phlegm. Other symptoms of pneumonia include: Pneumonia symptoms can range from mild to severe. THE MAIN DIFFERENCE Pneumonia symptoms are usually more severe than those of bronchitis.
What is the difference between acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is an infection caused by viruses and sometimes bacteria. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation in your lungs. Sometimes, bronchitis can turn into pneumonia. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two conditions. What are the symptoms?