Although both cause coughing up phlegm and shortness of breath, bronchitis and pneumonia are 2 different conditions. The difference between bronchitis and pneumonia lies not only in the location of the inflammation, but also in the cause, severity of symptoms, and treatment.
Inflammation of the airways can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. However, bronchitis is almost always caused by viruses, especially cold-causing viruses (common cold) and influenza virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia occur due to bacterial infection.
Difference Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia Based on the Location of the Inflammation
The human respiratory tract starts from the nose, throat, trachea, bronchi, to the lungs. Bronchi are shaped like pipes and branch into smaller parts in the lungs. Small bronchial branches will communicate with the alveoli. Alveoli is a tissue in the lungs that is shaped like a bag and filled with air. In the alveoli, there is an exchange of oxygen from the air to the bloodstream.
In the case of bronchitis, inflammation occurs in the bronchi and causes the bronchial walls to produce a lot of fluid. As a result, people with bronchitis have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Whereas in pneumonia, inflammation occurs in the alveoli, so that the alveolar sacs that should be filled with air actually fill with fluid or pus. This makes it difficult for oxygen to enter the bloodstream, and makes people with pneumonia experience shortness of breath and cough.
Difference Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia in terms of Symptoms
Bronchitis tends to cause milder symptoms than pneumonia. Some of the symptoms that mark bronchitis are:
- Coughing up phlegm with clear, yellowish, or greenish phlegm
- Mild fever
- Shortness of breath or a feeling of fullness in the chest
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Sore throat
- Weak, tired, lethargic
- Headache
Meanwhile, pneumonia often causes more serious symptoms. This is because the filling of the alveoli with fluid or pus can make it difficult to exchange oxygen from the air to the blood. As a result, the tissues and organs of the body will be deprived of oxygen. If left untreated, this condition can lead to death.
Some examples of pneumonia symptoms are:
- Coughing up phlegm with yellowish, greenish, or bloody phlegm
- High fever (400C or more) with chills
- Shortness of breath or breathing rate becomes very fast
- Cold sweat
- Chest pain, especially when you take a deep breath or cough
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion occurs, especially in elderly patients
Bronchitis is generally acute, that is, it appears suddenly and worsens rapidly. This condition usually clears up on its own within 1-2 weeks.
While pneumonia usually lasts longer. A person should suspect that his bronchitis has progressed to pneumonia if he coughs for more than 3 weeks.
Difference Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia in terms of Treatment
Treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia will be tailored to the cause of the infection. Bronchitis and pneumonia caused by bacterial infections will be treated with antibiotics, while those caused by viral infections usually only require treatment with fever-reducing drugs, adequate fluid consumption to prevent dehydration, and plenty of rest.
Since most cases of bronchitis are caused by viral infections, treatment often does not require antibiotics. This is different from pneumonia. Most types of pneumonia are caused by a bacterial infection and require antibiotics.
That's the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia. Both of them cause symptoms of cough with phlegm and shortness of breath. However, the symptoms of pneumonia are generally more severe and are accompanied by a high fever, chills, cold sweats, and chest pain.
Some cases of bronchitis can also develop into pneumonia, so a person may experience bronchitis and pneumonia at the same time.
If you experience a cough with phlegm accompanied by a high fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain, you should immediately consult a doctor. If the doctor says that you have bronchitis or pneumonia, during treatment from the doctor, get enough rest, drink lots of water, and if possible, use humidifier (air humidifier).
Written by:
Irene Cindy Sunur
