Bronchitis and pneumonia are inflammations of different parts of the respiratory system. Bronchitis usually resolves without treatment, while pneumonia may require hospitalization. Below are definitions, causes, symptoms, and signs that warrant seeing a doctor.
What exactly becomes inflamed
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs, usually infectious. It often resolves without treatment in about 3 weeks. Prolonged airway inflammation is called chronic bronchitis; it is a component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, primarily the alveoli—the air sacs. Acute pneumonia is often treated in a hospital setting. About 450 million people worldwide get pneumonia each year—7% of the global population; it causes about 4 million deaths (Wikipedia).
Causes and risk factors
Bronchitis is caused by infections transmitted through coughing and sneezing.
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria or viruses. Fungal pneumonia is rare, mainly occurring with a weakened immune system. Lung inflammation occurs after influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID-19. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when water or food enters the lungs.
Pneumococcus is detected in about half of community-acquired pneumonia cases; it is more often found in winter. Haemophilus influenzae is isolated in about 20% of community-acquired pneumonia cases. The causative agent cannot be identified in about half of cases despite thorough testing (Wikipedia). In adults, about a third of cases are caused by viruses; in children, about 15%.
Risk factors: smoking, immunodeficiency, alcoholism, COPD, chronic kidney and liver disease, advanced age. Suppression of stomach acidity is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. Vaccines against pneumococcus, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 and quitting smoking reduce the risk.
Symptoms: shared and distinct
Bronchitis: cough, sometimes with sputum; chest pain when coughing; shortness of breath; sore throat; runny nose; elevated temperature. The picture resembles a cold or flu.
Pneumonia: cough, shortness of breath, high fever, chest pain, body aches, pronounced fatigue, loss of appetite, wheezing during breathing. In infants, grunting is possible. Confusion is more common in older adults. Symptoms may begin suddenly or gradually over several days.
Chest pain when coughing occurs in both conditions. Pneumonia is more typically characterized by pronounced fatigue, loss of appetite, and confusion. Bronchitis is more typically characterized by a runny nose and sore throat.
Diagnosis and hospitalization
Diagnosis uses chest X-ray and bacteriological culture of sputum (Wikipedia). In the hospital, examination may be supplemented with a chest X-ray and blood tests to rule out other conditions. Non-infectious lung inflammation is more accurately called pneumonitis.
Hospitalization is needed if:
- age over 65;
- there is cardiovascular disease or chronic lung disease;
- pneumonia in an infant or young child;
- the condition is severe;
- the condition does not improve.
Most people recover within 2–4 weeks.
When to see a doctor
See a family doctor if a cough lasts up to 3 weeks, yellow or green sputum is produced, chest pain subsides and returns or occurs when breathing, or there is shortness of breath. For bronchitis, reasons for consultation include: cough lasting more than 3 weeks without improvement, blood in sputum, age over 65, pregnancy, diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney disease, weakened immunity, pronounced malaise.
Call emergency services 103 or 112 immediately: the person is gasping for air, choking, unable to speak; skin, lips, or tongue are pale, blue, or blotchy; blood in sputum; sudden confusion; an infant cannot be woken or is lethargic.
This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer