Bronchitis and pneumonia have several things in common but are also different. Most people can’t tell the difference, but the key is to take care of either one, before it gets worse.
For example, one basic similarity is a cough that lasts for weeks. After that, there are some key differences. Let’s review them.
Courtesy Health Hearty.com
Bronchitis Or Pneumonia: What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is caused by a virus brought on by either a cold or the flu, and that inflames the airways leading to your lungs. Because it’s caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective against it.
Bronchitis symptoms include:
- Persistent cough (with or without mucus)
- Sore throat
- Chest pain
- Chest congestion
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Body aches
As antibiotics don’t work, use over the counter medications, drink plenty of fluids, and get as much rest as possible.
Bronchitis Or Pneumonia: Pneumonia Symptoms
Pneumonia happens when an infection enters the lungs. In addition to a painful cough, as in bronchitis, pneumonia comes with additional symptoms:
They can include:
- Fever
- Chest pain
- severe cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chills
The most common pneumonia is bacterial pneumonia. It causes severe illness and is a leading cause of death among Americans. The most effective treatments are with antibiotics.
Getting sufficient rest is very important. Recovery can take weeks, even months.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reports that approximately 400,000 Americans are hospitalized each year with bacterial pneumonia. Delayed treatment can lead to death.
Most cases of pneumonia can be successfully treated at home with the following guidelines:
- Get as much rest as possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Drink a cup of caffeinated coffee or tea. Caffeine is a mild bronchodilator that can improve breathing by opening up the airway passages.
- Take medications as directed. Your doctor may put you on an antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal depending on what type of pneumonia you have. Make sure you take it as instructed and finish the entire prescription, even if you feel better.
- Run a humidifier.
- Gargle with salt water.
- Stop smoking and stay away from smoke.
For senior citizens-aged 65+, hospitalization may be necessary if the following symptoms occur:
- You’re confused or disoriented
- You have another serious medical problem like diabetes, COPD, or heart disease
- Your kidney function has gotten worse
- You can’t take care of yourself at home
- The antibiotic you’re on isn’t helping
- You’re breathing fast
- Your temperature is lower than normal
- Your heart rate is slow or fast
The bottom line is that if you develop a cough plus several other listed symptoms, which persist for several days, call your doctor.
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