Is It Bronchitis or Pneumonia?

Why is there so much sickness in the wintertime?

One explanation is that we’re all cooped up inside. People are more susceptible to germs because they aren’t spending time outdoors like they do in warm weather.

Another reason is that some viruses thrive in cold temperatures. Winter air is crisp and dry which dries out your nasal passages and sinuses. Some doctors believe that these imposters recirculate in your heating system. When you inhale them through your dry nose, they enter your body.

Typically, your body secretes mucus to line your nasal passages and sinuses. This mucus traps germs and prevents you from getting sick.

Some of the typical winter illnesses consist of not only the cold and flu, but also bronchitis and pneumonia. Strep throat, croup, and the “bug” are also prevalent in the colder months.

Some of these ailments, like sinus infections and the flu, can be hard to differentiate. Bronchitis and pneumonia are similar illnesses that result from an infection, usually from a virus. Distinguishing between the two by yourself can be difficult. But, a few small differences can make it clear which illness you have.

Bronchitis

Physically, the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia is that bronchitis is in your bronchial tubes and pneumonia is in the alveoli. These are tiny air sacs at the end of your bronchial tubes that become filled with mucus. Thus, the infection is deeper in the lungs.

Acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis show that your lungs are irritated, infected, and swollen. Acute bronchitis lasts a few weeks and can usually be treated at home. Although, chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent cough and lasts up to 3 months or more.

Symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing (may bring up clear, green, or yellow phlegm)
• Low energy
• Wheezing
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Chest congestion
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Stuffy nose
• Headache

Pneumonia

Viruses aren’t the only germs that cause pneumonia, bacteria and fungi do also.

The name of the kind of pneumonia tells you how you became sick. The most common form of pneumonia is bacterial pneumonia. Other types of pneumonia are mycoplasma pneumonia, fungal pneumonia, and viral pneumonia which can develop from something like the flu.

Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Exhaustion or weakness
• Headache
• Clammy, sweaty skin
• Chest pain (especially when you cough or take a deep breath)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever (may get to 105˚)
• Low energy
• Shaking chills
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing (may bring up clear, green, or yellow phlegm)

If you don’t want to go to the doctor just yet, here are some questions to ask yourself that will help you determine if you have bronchitis or pneumonia.

Are you experiencing any nausea? – Nausea and vomiting are only associated with pneumonia.

How does your chest feel when you breathe? Do you experience any pain when you cough or take a deep breath? – If your chest feels “heavy,” like someone’s sitting on it, this is probably bronchitis. Alternatively, if you’re experiencing stabbing pains whenever you cough or take a deep breath, you most likely have pneumonia.

How frequently are you running to the bathroom? Do you have diarrhea? – Usually, when you have diarrhea, you’re running to the bathroom often. If this is the case, then you may have pneumonia.

What is your temperature? – A low-grade temperature of up to 100.5 is common with bronchitis. But, if your temperature is higher, you’re fighting a more severe illness, pneumonia.

Are you getting side-tracked, forgetful, or confused easily? – While you may feel “run-down” when you have bronchitis, you don’t become confused. Confusion is quite common in people who have pneumonia.

Do you have a sore throat? – A sore throat is a symptom of bronchitis, possibly because the infection is close to the throat since it’s in the bronchiole tubes, instead of the alveoli. Coughing up mucus may also contribute to your sore throat.

There are many similarities between bronchitis and pneumonia. The differences aren’t as clear-cut but asking yourself these questions will help you and your doctor diagnose the illness to determine the best treatment options.

Did you know bronchitis and pneumonia were so similar? Have you ever dealt with one or even both of these illnesses? Let us know in the comments, or via Facebook and Twitter.

Written for Passport Health by Sabrina Cortes. Sabrina is a freelance writer with a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgian Court University. She currently lives in the Smokey Mountains of western North Carolina.