The 3 differences between pneumonia and bronchitis

Pneumonia and bronchitis are both respiratory diseases that, to some extent, are related, which is why it is quite common for people to confuse both pictures.

Although both are caused by some type of infectious agent that has entered the system respiratory symptoms, its symptoms and their severity are very different, and one is life threatening.

Next we will discover the differences between pneumonia and bronchitisIn addition to briefly seeing what causes them and to what extent one can be considered a much more serious medical condition than the other.

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The main differences between pneumonia and bronchitis

Both bronchitis and pneumonia are infectious diseases which affect the respiratory system, which is why it is quite common for the two to be confused in popular language. Added to this, both diseases increase their prevalence when the cold months approach, since it is during the winter when our defenses are down, making us more prone to diseases infectious.

But despite the fact that they affect the respiratory tract in one way or another, they are actually very different diseases, not only because of the specific symptoms but also because of their severity. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi rather milder than pneumonia, which is an infection of the lung with accumulation of fluid and infected secretions in the alveolus.

Bronchitis

As its name suggests, bronchitis is a disease in which the main affected area is the bronchial tree. It is an inflammation of the bronchi that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or other irritants, although normally the infectious component is viral.

Among the symptoms of bronchitis we find the mucus, persistent cough, shortness of breath, some fatigue and pressure in the chest area. These symptoms can be more intense and lasting, which is why we speak of acute bronchitis, a condition that is highly contagious. If the symptoms last for a long time, the condition is considered to have become chronic.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, also known as pneumonia, are infections in which there is a very intense inflammation of the lung tissue. These inflammations arise as a kind of defense mechanism of the respiratory system in the presence of a harmful agent, which is usually a bacterium, mostly a pneumococcus (commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae). Pneumonia can also be caused by fungi and viruses, such as pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Among the most common symptoms of pneumonia are high fever, acute cough, phlegm and expectoration, pain in the chest and sides, a feeling of suffocation, and muscle and bone pain (dyspnea). Part of these symptoms coincide with those of the flu and bronchitis and, in fact, there are cases of these two diseases that worsen and evolve into a case of pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a much more serious respiratory infection than bronchitis, since it can be fatal in people at risk. Its mortality rate is between 1 and 2% in normal patients, while it rises to 8% in hospitalized patients and 30% in those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). It is especially dangerous in children, the elderly and those affected by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, heart disease and cancer.

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Aspects that differentiate these two diseases

Once we have seen the characteristics of both diseases, we can comment on their main differences.

To begin with, we have different symptoms and severity. Bronchitis brings with it symptoms that, although unpleasant and annoying, such as a persistent cough, are not particularly serious. and it is rarely fatal.

On the other hand, pneumonia implies greater affectation, having more serious symptoms such as pain muscle and bone, the sensation of shortness of breath, high fevers and in people at risk can become lethal.

Another difference is their etiopathogenesis, that is, what causes them. Bronchitis consists of an inflammation of the bronchial tree, usually caused by a virus, while pneumonia consists of an infection of the lung tissue usually caused by bacteria, although fungi and viruses can also be involved. It should also be said that bronchitis can also be caused by irritants such as smoke and bacteria.

As a result of its different origin, it is common for antibiotics to be administered to treat pneumonia, as long as it is known that the specific case is caused by bacteria. On the other hand, in the case of bronchitis, these types of drugs are usually not so necessary and only administered if it is certain that the specific case is an infection bacterial.

Prevention and treatment

The best way to prevent both diseases is to avoid bad habits, especially smoking.. Added to this, if you are a person at risk, it is convenient to receive the vaccine against the virus of the flu, being especially recommended for people over 65, chronically ill, immunosuppressed patients. Exposure to cold should also be avoided since it is a factor that can lower our defenses and is It is advisable to wear a mask in seasons in which there is a special incidence of diseases respiratory

Most acute infectious diseases can be diagnosed and managed by primary care physicians, to which it is advisable to go in case of suspected suffering from bronchitis or pneumonia. In both, self-medication should be avoided, consulting the doctor first and seeing which is the appropriate treatment to follow. In case the symptoms are more severe, of greater intensity and duration, you can go to a specialist.

If the predominant symptoms are upper airway, that is, nose, ears and / or pharynx, the patient should see an otolaryngologist. On the other hand, if the symptoms that predominate are of the trachea and chest pain is present, there is respiratory difficulty and blood is cough, a pulmonologist should be consulted.