Pneumonia vs Bronchitis: What’s the Difference and How Are They Treated?

Chest infections are common and can range from mild illnesses to serious lung infections that require urgent care. Two of the most frequent causes are bronchitis and pneumonia. Understanding the difference between pneumonia and bronchitis is essential so you know when to seek medical attention and how to recover safely.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air into the lungs. There are two main forms:

• Acute bronchitis: usually follows a cold or flu

• Chronic bronchitis: a long-term condition, often related to smoking or prolonged exposure to lung irritants

Causes of Bronchitis

Causes of bronchitis include:

• Viruses (influenza, RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus)

• Smoking and vaping

• Prolonged exposure to irritants (air pollution, dust, chemical fumes)

• Bacterial infection (less common)

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Here are the symptoms of bronchitis:

• Persistent cough with increased mucus production (clear, yellow, or green)

• Chest discomfort or tightness

• Wheezing or shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Low-grade fever and occasional chills

• Mild sore throat, especially early in the illness

• Headache and body aches, often related to the underlying viral infection

Risk Factors of Bronchitis

While even healthy adults can develop bronchitis, several factors increase the risk:

• Weakened immune system: Including recent viral illness, chronic disease, or immune-suppressing conditions.

• Cigarette smoking and vaping: Continuous airway irritation significantly increases both acute and chronic bronchitis risk.

• Exposure to airborne irritants: Such as air pollution, dust, chemical fumes, and occupational lung irritants.

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD): Recurrent acid reflux can irritate the airways and contribute to chronic cough and bronchial inflammation.

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue itself and is considered a lower respiratory tract infection (LTRI). The air sacs (alveoli) fill with fluid or pus, causing breathing difficulty and oxygen impairment. Pneumonia can be mild to life-threatening, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immunity.

Causes of Pneumonia

Here are the causes of pneumonia:

• Bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus pneumoniae)

• Viruses (influenza, RSV, COVID-19)

• Fungal infections

• Aspiration of food or fluids into the lungs

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Typical symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Cough with phlegm (may be yellow, green, or rust-coloured)

• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing

• High fever with chills and sweating

• Shortness of breath, even at rest

• Marked fatigue and weakness

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Confusion or altered mental state, especially in older adults

• Lower-than-normal body temperature in elderly individuals or those with weakened immunity

Risk Factors of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can affect anyone, but certain factors significantly increase the risk of developing severe infection and complications:

• Age extremes: Children under 2 years and adults over 65 years are at higher risk due to weaker immune defences.

• Chronic medical conditions: Including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease.

• Weakened immune system: From conditions such as cancer, HIV, long-term steroid use, chemotherapy, or organ transplantation.

• Smoking and vaping: These damage the lungs’ natural protective mechanisms, increasing susceptibility to lung infection.

• Recent respiratory infection: Such as influenza or COVID-19, which can weaken lung defences.

• Neurological disorders or swallowing problems: Conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or impaired consciousness increase aspiration risk.

• Poor nutrition and alcohol misuse: Both impair immune function and increase pneumonia risk.

Key Differences Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia

While both bronchitis and pneumonia have similar symptoms, it is important to know the difference between pneumonia and bronchitis and how to tell them apart. Here are the key differences in how both afflictions present themselves.

This helps explain how to tell pneumonia from bronchitis and why pneumonia is more serious than bronchitis.

Are Bronchitis and Pneumonia Contagious?

Many forms of bronchitis and pneumonia are caused by infectious viruses and bacteria, which means the germs are contagious.

• Is bronchitis contagious? Yes, acute bronchitis is usually contagious.
  
  

• Is pneumonia contagious? The infection itself is not directly contagious, but the viruses or bacteria that cause it can spread from person to person.

Can Bronchitis Turn into Pneumonia?

Yes. In some cases, untreated or severe bronchitis may progress to pneumonia, particularly in:

• Young children

• Older adults

• Pregnant individuals

• People with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems

However, most cases of acute bronchitis do not turn into pneumonia.

How Are Bronchitis and Pneumonia Diagnosed?

Your doctor will usually begin with a physical examination and a review of your symptoms and medical history. Depending on your condition, further tests may include:

• Chest X-ray

• Blood tests

• Sputum analysis

• Pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels

• CT scan or bronchoscopy in selected cases

These tests help determine whether the infection is bronchitis or pneumonia and guide appropriate treatment.

How Are Bronchitis and Pneumonia Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Common treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics (when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected)

• Antivirals (for certain viral infections such as influenza)

• Bronchodilators and cough medications to ease breathing and control symptoms

• Oxygen therapy for patients with low oxygen levels

• IV fluids for dehydration or severe infection

• Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with prolonged respiratory impairment

Recovery Timeline

• How long does bronchitis last? Most cases of acute bronchitis improve within 1 to 3 weeks, though cough may persist longer.
  
  

• How long does pneumonia take to recover? Recovery typically takes 2 to 4 weeks or longer, depending on age, overall health, and severity of infection.

When Should I See a Doctor for a Chest Infection?

Seek medical care if symptoms:

• Last longer than one week

• Worsen rapidly

• Include breathing difficulty, chest pain, high fever, or confusion

When to See a Respiratory Medicine Specialist at Prince Court Medical Centre

If you have ongoing chest infection symptoms, early assessment is crucial.

At Prince Court Medical Centre, our respiratory specialists provide advanced imaging, lung function testing, and personalised treatment to manage bronchitis, pneumonia, and other lung infections.

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