Do I Have Bronchitis Or Pneumonia

Can You Die If You Have Pneumonia

You may not be able to get enough oxygen if your lungs are inflamed or damaged. A lack of oxygen can damage other organs in the body, such as the kidneys, heart and brain. You can die from bacterial pneumonia if you dont get treatment, or if you dont respond to treatment and the infection gets worse.

Medical Attention To Prevent Pneumonia:

One cannot be too hopeful to recover fully by vaccines. But the shots will reduce the intensity of the pneumonia and help you fight through the complications.

Vaccines are mainly applicable for those who have weakened immune system due to previous infections or bad lifestyle such as chain-smokers or heavy drinkers. The other group who may need vaccines is those with less capability to fight on like older people over 65 or children below 2.

Clinics and hospitals may give you two types of shots for preventing bacterial pneumonia. Those are:

• PCV13or Prevenar 13 for adults aging over 65 and kids under 5. This vaccine may be given to those who are at great risk of bacterial pneumonia. Side effects for this vaccine may be skin redness, hard lump, allergy, swelling, irritation, etc.

• PPSV23 or Pneumovax for adults over 65 and kids over 2. Kids who have high risk of bacterial pneumonia may take this vaccine. Those who are between 19 and 64, addicted to smoking and have asthmatic symptoms may be given this vaccine shot.

Both the above vaccinations are recommended for those who had never taken any of them before. There should be at least an 8 week gap between the two vaccines starting with the PCV13 followed by the PPSV23.

One should have a thorough check-up and discussion with the doctor before administering these shots.

How To Treat A Common Cold Or Acute Bronchitis At Home

Antibiotics are not recommended to treat or cure a common cold or chest cold . You simply have to let them run their course and allow your immune system to do its job. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , you can do several things for symptom relief, including:

• Use over-the-counter saline nasal spray or drops or take nasal decongestants to reduce inflammation and help with symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose.
• Take acetaminophen for a low-grade fever.
• Suck on lozenges for relief from cough and sore throat. Do not give lozenges to children younger than 4 years old.
• Get lots of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to the air for easier breathing.
• Inhale steam in the shower or from a bowl of hot water to open up the airways.
• Take vitamin-C supplements to help strengthen your immune system.

While acute bronchitis and common colds usually resolve on their own, if your symptoms worsen or dont get better with time, get in touch with a healthcare professional who can provide medical advice.

References

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Common Symptoms That You Should Know About

Some of the symptoms of bronchitis are coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, chills, body ache, blocked sinuses, chest pain, weakness with headaches, throat discomfort, and mucus build up. If you have a combination of these symptoms followed by nausea, vomiting, constant perspiring and high fever, you should seek medical help immediately.

Acute bronchitis usually starts as a sinus infection with a sore throat having a dry cough for a long time maybe a sign of this illness. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses that are responsible for the common cold or flu. However, chronic bronchitis is generally caused by long-term tobacco smoking or inhalation of secondhand smoke.

Bronchitis is a condition wherein the bronchial tubes get inflamed. These tubes are airways leading to the lungs, and when it thickens when inflamed blocking the air to the lungs of the sufferer, it can result in long-term respiratory tract problems.

How Is Acute Bronchitis Treated

Acute bronchitis is usually mild and does not cause complications. The symptoms often resolve on their own and lung function goes back to normal.

In most cases, antibiotics are not needed to treat acute bronchitis. Thats because most of the infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. If it has progressed to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary.

Treatment is aimed at treating the symptoms, and may include:

• Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
• Cough medicine
• Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen
• Quitting smoking

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

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In General What Is Bronchitis And What Is Pneumonia

The American Lung Association says bronchitisspecifically acute bronchitisis the sudden development of inflammation in the bronchial tubes, or the lungs major airways. The infection gets beyond the confines of the bronchial tubes and actually gets into the substance of the lung, Dr. Schaffner says. Then it causes inflammation in the tissues of the lung.

Most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses, often the same viruses that are responsible for common colds and the flu. The same virus that causes the common cold settles lower down and causes bronchitis in some people, Ephraim L. Tsalik, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina, tells Health. But bronchitis is often not severe, is temporary, and usually doesnt cause any permanent lung damage.

Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an infection in one or both of the lungs, affecting the air sacs of the lungs, causing them to fill up with fluid or pus. according to the US National Library of Medicines MedlinePlus resource.

Bacteria is the most common cause of pneumonia, per MedlinePlus, and it can occur on its own, or it can be the result of a viral infection, like the cold or the flu. Viruses, too, can cause pneumonialike respiratory syncytial virus or SARS-CoV-2 though those cases are often less severe. Fugal infections can lead to pneumonia too, but commonly only occur in those with chronic health issues or weakened immune systems.

Bacterial Vs Viral Pneumonia Symptoms

Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia. Fungi and parasites can sometimes cause it.

When the cause is bacteria, the illness can come on either slowly or quickly. It tends to be more serious than other types.

When a virus causes your pneumonia, youâre more likely to notice symptoms over several days. Early signs will look like the flu such as fever, dry cough, headache, and weakness but get worse in a day or two.

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What Is A Chest Cold

The bronchi are the airways or breathing tubes in the lungs. A chest cold, also called acute bronchitis, is an infection of the bronchi. The same viruses that cause upper respiratory infections can also cause acute bronchitis. Sometimes, bacteria can also cause acute bronchitis.

During acute bronchitis, the airways in the lungs become swollen and produce mucus, causing a bothersome cough. The symptoms usually last for 3 weeks or less. Besides coughing with or without mucus, other symptoms can include slight fever, sore throat, chest soreness, mild headache, fatigue, and body aches.

Acute bronchitis usually clears on its own in a few days to weeks. Antibiotics are not recommended to treat acute bronchitis in most cases, not even bacterial bronchitis. However, you should get professional medical care if you have:

• High fever
• Cough with discolored mucus or bloody mucus
• Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
• Symptoms lasting more than three weeks
• Repeated attacks of bronchitis

What Causes Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a contagious virus. The same viruses that cause colds can cause acute bronchitis. First, the virus affects your nose, sinuses, and throat. Then the infection travels to the lining of the bronchial tubes. As your body fights the virus, swelling occurs and mucus is produced.

You can catch a virus from breathing it in or by skin contact. You are at higher risk of catching the virus if you have close contact with someone who has a cold or acute bronchitis.

Lesser-known causes of acute bronchitis are:

• Bacteria or fungal infections.
• Exposure to irritants, such as smoke, dust, or fumes. You are at greater risk if your bronchial tubes already have damage.
• GERD , which causes heartburn. You can get acute bronchitis when stomach acid gets into the bronchial tubes.

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Treatment At Florida Medical Clinic

Most healthy people can recover from either bronchitis or pneumonia within a few weeks of treatment. However, complications can arise from either a cold or the flu. In these cases, its important to see your doctor as soon as possible to prevent your condition from worsening. The sooner that you seek treatment, the shorter your recovery time will be!

How Can I Help My Child Feel Better

Your child should drink fluids throughout the day, especially if he or she has a fever. Ask the doctor before you use a medicine to treat a cough. Cough suppressants stop the lungs from clearing mucus, which might not be helpful for lung infections like walking pneumonia.

If your child has chest pain, try placing a heating pad or warm compress on the area. Take your childs temperature at least once each morning and each evening. Call the doctor if it goes above 102°F in an older infant or child, or above 100.4°F in an infant under 6 months of age.

With treatment, most types of bacterial pneumonia go away within 1 to 2 weeks. Coughing can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to stop.

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How Is Asthmatic Bronchitis Treated

Asthmatic bronchitis or bronchial asthma may be treated in two ways:

• Removal of allergens such as dust, furry pets, fungi, etc.
• Structured patient education towards appropriate symptomatic control of emergency asthmatic attacks, improved lifestyle, etc.
• Physical training for improving breathing pattern, respiratory system, and overall quality of life.
• Respiratory therapy and physiotherapy.
• Smoking cessation with medical or non-medical aids.
• Psychosocial treatment with the help of family members, friends, or peer groups.
• Weight loss program for obese people.

Pharmacological Way

• Relievers including the inhaled, rapidly-acting beta2 sympathomimetic agents, e.g., the short-acting drugs salbutamol, fenoterol, and terbutaline and the long-acting drug formoterol.
• Controllers including the inhaled corticosteroids , inhaled long-acting beta2 agonists such as formoterol or salmeterol, montelukast, and delayed-release theophylline preparations.

How Do You Know If You Have Bronchitis Or Pneumonia

The most important differentiating factors between the two are:

A chest x-ray is commonly done to differentiate between the two. Chest x-ray of a patient having pneumonia shows a white patchy area of consolidation of affected part of the lung. The above differentiating features between the two clinical conditions will help you understand if you have pneumonia or bronchitis.

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How Long Does Bronchitis Last

Typically, acute bronchitis may last for 10-14 days or up to 3 weeks depending on individual care and treatment. Chronic bronchitis may last for up to 3 months with proper antibiotic administration and healthy lifestyle. But people with weak immune system may carry the chronic bronchitis condition throughout their lives.

Managing Symptoms At Home

If you have acute bronchitis:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluid this helps prevent dehydration and thins the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to cough up
• treat headaches, a high temperature, and aches and pains with paracetamol or ibuprofen although ibuprofen is not recommended if you have asthma

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What Are The Causes Of Bronchitis

1. Infection Bacterial, viral and fungal infections of the nose, sinuses or lungs.2. As a complication of other illnesses like measles, chicken pox or whooping cough.3. Exposure to irritants like dust, toxins and chemicals.4. Inhalation of allergens like dust, pollen, animal dander, hay and certain food substances.

How To Determine If You Have Pneumonia

This article was medically reviewed by Victor Catania, MD. Dr. Catania is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Pennsylvania. He received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2012 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Robert Packer Hospital. He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 75,807 times.

Research shows that pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in your lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source This infection is most dangerous for children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems, and it can become life-threatening. Experts note that if you recognize the symptoms and seek medical help right away, pneumonia can be treated effectively.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source

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What Is The Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract . Symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose and a mild fever. Most colds are harmless and healthy adults can have up to 2-3 colds a year.

Many different viruses can cause the common cold. Most people recover in 7-10 days without requiring medical attention, however, cold symptoms can last longer in smokers. You should seek medical care if your symptoms are getting worse or do not improve in a week or so.

Symptoms Of Chest Infections

Pneumonia is more common in winter and spring. It can strike suddenly or come on slowly over a few days. The symptoms will depend on your age, the cause and severity of the infection, and any other medical problems you may have. Symptoms include:

• Fast or difficult breathing
• Coughing with brown or green-coloured phlegm
• Fever
• Blue colour around the lips
• Stomach pain
• A child may vomit, have diarrhoea and be irritable or lethargic.

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Do I Have Bronchitis Or Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus. People with bronchitis can go on to develop pneumonia. Those with chronic medical conditions are more prone to getting pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a serious medical condition that requires a person to be medically reviewed and treated. Please see a doctor if you have symptoms of pneumonia such as severe coughing with green, yellow, or bloody mucus fever shortness of breath chest pain fatigue and low energy.

Preventing Pneumonia With Vaccine

While anyone can get pneumonia, infants under the age of two, adults over the age of 65, and people who have chronic medical conditions are most at risk due to a weaker immune system that may not be strong enough to fight the infection. Your health insurance coverage, including Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage , covers some vaccines and immunizations that can help prevent infection by some of the bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia, including:

• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Influenza

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Pneumonia Complications In Pregnant Women

If the mother has pneumonia, she and the expected, the coming child, both will have complications.

Below are few of the complications they can encounter:

Mothers Complication:

• Empyema may develop in which infection takes place in bloodstream due to excessive fluid around the lung.
• Oxygen supply lowers while breathing complication rises.
• Respiratory failure may happen in the worst condition.

Babys Complication:

• Born with low weight

When To See Your Doctor

See your doctor if you:

• have a cough on most days, or you have a cough that often returns
• are coughing up blood
• have a high fever or shaking chills
• have a low-grade fever for 3 or more days
• are coughing up thick, greenish mucus, especially if it has a bad smell
• feel short of breath or have chest pain
• also have a chronic illness, like heart or lung disease.

Call Healthline if you are unsure what you should do.

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What Are The Symptoms Acute Bronchitis

The following are the most common symptoms of acute bronchitis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Back and muscle pain
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing

The symptoms of acute bronchitis may look like other conditions or medical problems. Talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Bronchitis Vs Pneumonia: Whats The Difference

These two conditions are often confused with each other, and some people may mistakenly use the terms interchangeably. Though there is a large number of shared symptoms between the two illnesses, they are very different in terms of what causes them and how they affect the body. To help clear up the confusion, lets begin with a quick overview of how upper respiratory infections work and what parts of the body are involved.

Upper respiratory infections result when an irritant from your environment like bacteria, a virus, dust, mold, or other pollutants enter through your nose or mouth. Once these pollutants get into your airways, they can become lodged and cause inflammation in your nose, sinuses, throat, bronchial tubes that lead to your lungs, or even the tissues of your lungs themselves.

What diagnosis a doctor might give you depends on which tissues are most affected. If the irritant, be it bacterial or otherwise, has caused inflammation in your bronchial tubes, you will likely be diagnosed with acute bronchitis. If the infection has traveled deeper into your lungs and is causing inflammation in the alveoli that line your lungs, then you may have pneumonia.

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