Is It Bronchitis Or Pneumonia?

With the cold season, there's a chance you'll hear some familiar words in conversation, like "bronchitis" or "pneumonia." Even though they may land in the same conversation, one is much more of a concern than the other. Either way, it's crucial to understand the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia and to know when you need to seek medical care.

Omar Acevedo Arus, MD, a family medicine doctor with Franciscan Physician Network Beech Grove Family Medicine, explains the difference between pneumonia and bronchitis, including their risks, symptoms and when it's time to talk to a doctor.

Bronchitis Vs. Pneumonia

Bronchitis and pneumonia can both leave you coughing, feverish and feeling under the weather, but these two lung conditions have important differences. Bronchitis, which is typically caused by a virus, mainly affects the bronchial tubes, the passages that carry air to your lungs. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an infection of the lungs themselves and can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi.

"Bronchitis and pneumonia are definitely not the same thing," Dr. Arus said. "They affect different areas of our airways, but sometimes they can feel similar for some people. With pneumonia, it's expected that you'll feel a lot sicker."

Bronchitis Symptoms

Dr. Arus explains a good way to recognize the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia is by seeing bronchitis as similar to when you have a cold. Still, it's like a cold on your chest instead of on your face and sinuses.

"With bronchitis, you're going to have a lot of coughs with phlegm," Dr. Arus said. "You might have some fevers, but it's mostly the cough that's most bothersome for people. And you might have some cold symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion."

Pneumonia Symptoms

With pneumonia, Dr. Arus explained that you'll likely hae symptoms including:

• Fevers
• Chills
• Windedness
• Chest pain

What Causes Bronchitis And Pneumonia?

You'll hear about bronchitis and pneumonia often during the cold season, but what causes it?

Bronchitis happens when the tubes that carry air in your lungs become inflamed and fill with mucus, usually after someone gets sick with the flu or a cold.

"The most common cause of bronchitis is just viral illnesses," Dr. Arus said. "This is very similar to the same causes of a cold. You probably caught it from somebody, as it's just a cold on your chest."

Unlike bronchitis, pneumonia doesn't affect the airways. It affects tiny sacs in your lungs called alveoli by swelling alongside mucus, which makes it difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide to travel to your bloodstream from your lungs.

"Pneumonia is different as it's more about conditions predisposing you to pneumonia," Dr. Arus said. "You can catch pneumonia from somebody that didn't have symptoms. So, with bronchitis, anybody can get it, but with pneumonia, people already facing illnesses are more likely to get it."

Why Is Pneumonia Considered Dangerous?

While both bronchitis and pneumonia can be frustrating and even troublesome, pneumonia is known to be more dangerous.

Studies show that pneumonia impacts more than 900,000 U.S. citizens each year, resulting in 50,000 deaths each year.

"Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs," Dr. Arus said. "The issue with pneumonia when it's not treated is that it can cause actual abscesses of the lung, which are harder to treat. You can also have what's called sepsis, a bloodstream infection."

Dr. Arus explains that the sepsis infection can go from the lungs to the bloodstream, which has a high mortality rate, especially if you have other conditions.

"The issue with pneumonia is that if somebody already has pre-existing conditions, their body will have a harder time clearing the pneumonia, which can cause more concerning complications."

When Should I See A Doctor For Bronchitis Or Pneumonia Symptoms?

Both bronchitis and pneumonia are enough to interrupt your day and even ruin your week, so knowing when to get a doctor involved is essential.

Dr. Arus explained that it's crucial to understand your overall health status as potential risks, such as if you have a lung disease, asthma, a history of smoking, alcohol use, COPD, cancer or any condition that weakens your immune system.

"If you do have lung disease or a weak immune system, then your threshold to contact a provider should be a little bit lower," Dr. Arus said. "Still, if you have any lung disease, weakened immune system, and you're noticing some fevers and shortness of breath, you should definitely contact your provider as soon as possible or possibly even get emergency care."

Even if you're usually in good health and without medical issues, Dr. Arus still recommends contacting your provider.

How Are Bronchitis And Pneumonia Treated?

As scary as pneumonia can be, it's essential to know how it's treated initially.

Dr. Arus explained that antibiotics are necessary to treat pneumonia. Still, if you're getting short of breath or feeling significantly worse, visiting the hospital for potential breathing treatment is crucial.

Build your confidence by knowing when it is and isn't necessary for you to go directly to your doctor.

"Once a healthy person starts to get a cold and fevers, wait at least one week," Dr. Arus said. "If you start getting worse or you don't get better after about a week, contact your doctor."

Dr. Arus explained that, at times, you might not need to see the doctor directly as you can get treatments at a pharmacy. Your own body will usually clear itself from these kinds of conditions.

How Can I Protect Family Members At Home?

Exposure to fumes or smoke can potentially worsen your bronchitis or pneumonia symptoms.

"If you have a family member that usually smokes in the house, tell them to smoke out of the house," Dr. Arus said. "Exposure to smoke or environmental toxins will worsen bronchitis and pneumonia as they involve your breathing ability."

"If your job has exposure to fumes such as construction work or engineering plants, you should likely get reasonable accommodation to avoid getting that exposure because it'll worsen your symptoms," Dr. Arus said. "These are steps more under your control that can help you address these health conditions."