How can you tell the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia?

The big difference between these two conditions — and you might not be able to feel it — is which part of the respiratory system is affected. Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs. Pneumonia affects the air sacs, called alveoli, where oxygen passes into your blood.

How do you know if you have bronchitis or pneumonia?

Bronchitis can also, however, bring on chest discomfort and wheezing. While symptoms for either bronchitis or pneumonia can range from mild to serious enough to require hospitalization, symptoms such as fever, breathing problems, and chest pain tend to be more severe with pneumonia.

Can bronchitis be mistaken for pneumonia?

She notes that it's very easy to confuse bronchitis and pneumonia because the symptoms are often the same. The major difference between the two is that bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, and pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria. This is important not only in your diagnosis, but also in your treatment.

Will bronchitis or pneumonia go away on its own?

Most people DO NOT need antibiotics for acute bronchitis caused by a virus. The infection will almost always go away on its own within 1 week. Doing these things may help you feel better: Drink plenty of fluids.

What does a bronchitis cough sound like?

A bronchitis cough sounds like a rattle with a wheezing or whistling sound. As your condition progresses, you will first have a dry cough that can then progress towards coughing up white mucus.

Bronchitis or Pneumonia; How to Tell the Difference

What are 3 symptoms of bronchitis?

When should you go to the doctor for bronchitis?

“If you persistently cough up frank, red blood, you should seek medical advice. Fever higher than 102°F, a fever that lasts more than a few days, shortness of breath, a change in the mucus color or coughing with unexplained weight loss are all also signs you should see a physician,” Dr. Supakul says.

How do you make sure bronchitis doesn't turn into pneumonia?

Treating bronchitis quickly can help prevent pneumonia. Once the immune system has returned to working normally, the risk of developing a new infection falls. People can also reduce their risk by quitting smoking to improve their lung health and wearing a face mask if they are using chemicals in the workplace.

How common is it for bronchitis to turn into pneumonia?

Typically, bronchitis does not turn into pneumonia. In some cases, a person with bronchitis develops a secondary infection that may turn into pneumonia, usually when a bacterial infection spreads from the bronchial tubes to the lungs.

Is pneumonia a dry or wet cough?

Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm) difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting.

Do you need antibiotics for bronchitis?

Treatment. Acute bronchitis usually gets better on its own—without antibiotics. Antibiotics won't help you get better if you have acute bronchitis. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.

What does your chest feel like when you have pneumonia?

Rapid, shallow breathing. Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough. Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue.

What does a cough sound like when you have pneumonia?

Bacterial pneumonia is more serious and often results in a gurgling sound when breathing and mucus or phlegm when coughing.

How do I check myself for bronchitis?

Can a doctor tell if you have pneumonia by listening to your lungs?

Chest X-ray showing pneumonia

Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and doing a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that suggest pneumonia.

How do you get rid of bronchitis fast?

How long is bronchitis contagious?

Bronchitis itself isn't contagious, but some of its causes are. If your bronchitis is caused by a virus, you can be contagious for a few days to a week. If your bronchitis is caused by bacteria, you usually stop being contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

How do I know if my bronchitis is viral or bacterial?

In addition to lab tests, sputum or mucus from a cough can be visually examined to determine whether bronchitis is viral, bacterial, or both. Clear or white mucus often indicates a viral infection, while yellow or green mucus may suggest a bacterial infection.

How do you break up bronchitis in your chest?

When you have bronchitis, it's important to loosen the mucus in your chest so you can cough it up and breathe more easily. The best way to thin mucus is to drink plenty of fluids like water, diluted fruit juices, herbal tea, and clear soups. Aim for eight to 12 glasses a day. Try to stay away from alcohol and caffeine.

Which is more serious bronchitis or pneumonia?

Though many of the signs may be similar, pneumonia is much more serious than acute bronchitis. It's more often caused by bacteria than by a virus, which means that antibiotics can be used to treat it. However, bacterial pneumonia can be a fast-moving disease that needs attention right away, says Boushey.

What happens if bronchitis goes untreated?

Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia if you don't seek treatment. If bronchitis is left untreated, the infection can travel from the airways into the lungs. That can lead to pneumonia. Bronchitis is an infection of the airways that lead to your lungs.

Can I go to the ER if I think I have bronchitis?

You should contact our ER near you if you experience the following symptoms while suffering from a bronchitis infection: If your cough persists for over three weeks. If your fever is above 100.4 F. I if you are having difficulties breathing.

What are the stages of bronchitis?

Symptoms of acute bronchitis typically start with a runny nose, sore throat, productive cough, and low-grade fever. Three or four days later, a dry, hacking cough may develop. Most cases of acute bronchitis last between three and 10 days.

How do you know if bronchitis is severe?