Bronchitis vs. Upper Respiratory Infections

Do you know the difference between bronchitis and an upper respiratory tract infection (URI)? With all the medical jargon and complex terminology out there, it’s easy to get mixed up about these common respiratory conditions—and the arrival of

COVID-19 certainly hasn’t helped to simplify things. To help clear up the confusion, let’s take a closer look at bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and what sets them apart.

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The Basics of Bronchitis

Bronchitis (chest cold) is not an upper respiratory tract infection. Rather, it affects the air-transporting tubes of the lungs (bronchioles), which are a part of the lower respiratory tract. So, bronchitis is considered a lower respiratory infection—or an infection that impacts the lungs or structures below the voice box (larynx). Other lower respiratory tract infections include pneumonia, tuberculosis, and bronchiolitis.

Acute (short-term) bronchitis occurs when the bronchioles become inflamed and produce too much mucus. It is usually caused by a virus, although bacteria may also lead to bronchitis. Some of the most common symptoms of acute bronchitis include:

• Frequent coughing, with or without mucus
• A wheezing noise when coughing
• Fatigue
• Chest soreness, especially when coughing
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Mild body aches or fever

Symptoms of acute bronchitis typically last for 10 to 14 days, although some symptoms may linger for up to three weeks.

Treatment for acute bronchitis often involves plenty of rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to help control symptoms. Bacterial bronchitis may be treated with antibiotics. It’s also important to avoid smoking and exposure to airborne irritants while recovering from bronchitis. Individuals with symptoms that remain or worsen after three weeks should be evaluated by a medical professional.

While acute bronchitis is a contagious short-term infection, chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that falls under the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) umbrella. It is caused by smoking tobacco in most cases, although long-term exposure to air pollution, certain chemicals, and secondhand smoke may also contribute to chronic bronchitis.

Understanding Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

As you may have guessed, upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are infections that impact the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, mouth, throat, and voice box.

Types of upper respiratory infections include:

• The common cold
• Sinusitis (sinus infection)
• Laryngitis
• Tonsillitis
• Epiglottitis

Influenza (flu) and

COVID-19 can impact both the lower and upper respiratory tracts, although COVID-19 typically begins in the upper respiratory tract and may spread to the lower.

Upper respiratory tract infections are caused by several types of viruses and bacteria that can travel through respiratory droplets or physical contact. These infections are incredibly widespread—in fact, the common cold is to blame for most routine doctor visits in the United States.

The signs of a upper respiratory tract infection will vary based on what type of condition is present, but a few hallmark URI symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Cough
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Headache

Similar to lower respiratory infections, most upper respiratory tract infections can be treated at home by getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking over-the-counter medications to reduce symptoms. Most infections resolve on their own within two weeks, although sinusitis may last longer. Individuals should consult with a medical professional if symptoms:

• Worsen or do not improve with self-care methods
• Go away and then return
• Include sinus pain or a severe sore throat
• Include a low-grade fever that persists for more than five days
• Include a fever higher than 101.3 degrees fahrenheit (for adults)

In-Home Treatment for Bronchitis, URIs & Other Common Illnesses

No matter if you’re battling bronchitis, the common cold, or any other type of respiratory infection, you’re probably not in the mood to trek to an urgent care center or physician’s office and sit in a bustling, germ-filled waiting room. Enter: DispatchHealth. Our fully equipped medical teams offer safe, convenient, and affordable medical care to patients in the comfort of their own home.

Ready to find relief from bothersome respiratory symptoms? If so, request a same-day visit from DispatchHealth by giving us a call, going on our website, or using our app. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have.

Sources

DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies.

Sources referenced in this article:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-upper-respiratory-infection
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3993-bronchitis
3. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/bronchitis.html
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324413
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605

Upper Respiratory Infections and Acute Bronchitis

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types, causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention in children and adults

Acute bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis

Occupational bronchitis

Diagnosis

Complications

Treatment 90 003

Prognosis and prevention

Bronchitis is a disease affecting the lower respiratory tract with inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. The inflammatory process can develop only in one part or affect the entire bronchial tree. The main difference from pneumonia is the absence of involvement in the pathological process of the alveoli.

The duration of the disease can be acute and chronic with exacerbations.

The main symptom that allows to suspect a pathology is a cough with sputum, which often causes shortness of breath. Bronchitis is one of the most common reasons for all visits to the doctor.

Acute bronchitis

Many respiratory diseases, and this is SARS and influenza, often occur with manifestations of acute bronchitis. The main pathogens are viruses: rhinoviruses, enteroviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses. They account for 90% of all cases. At the same time, rhinoviruses and enteroviruses give a mild course, but coronaviruses and adenoviruses can cause severe complications.

Bacterial causes of bronchitis are much less common and are usually caused by a variety of bacteria. It is noted that during exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, bacteria in the sputum are excreted much more often than in the acute form.

Acute bronchitis can be caused by allergens, as well as exposure to dust, polluted or smoky air.

Bronchitis of the lungs can also be mixed, when infectious and physico-chemical factors are combined, as well as unspecified, when it is not possible to determine what caused the development of the disease.

According to the area of ​​inflammation, bronchitis in children and adults can be divided into:

• tracheobronchitis;
• with lesions of medium or small bronchi;
• bronchiolitis.

The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough that occurs with existing manifestations of SARS or another infection. The temperature with bronchitis rises moderately, weakness, a runny nose appear, and the state of health worsens.

At first the cough is dry, there is little sputum, and the coughing attacks become especially painful at night. After 3-4 days, a dry cough is replaced by a wet one, with copious sputum discharge.

In a mild course of the disease, shortness of breath is not observed. If it appears over time, then this indicates damage to the small bronchi, which leads to obstructive bronchitis.

The general condition of the patient during treatment is normalized in a few days, and the cough may persist for another 2-3 weeks. If the temperature does not subside, but only rises, and the general condition noticeably worsens, this indicates the addition of a bacterial infection and the development of complications.

Chronic bronchitis

This diagnosis is made in case of cough with sputum for at least 3 months a year for 2 years or even more. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. The main symptoms are a prolonged cough, shortness of breath may join. The cough is usually loose, beginning in the morning after sleep. A little sputum comes out. At the same time, in the cold season and in wet weather, the cough intensifies, but almost completely stops in the summer.

The general state of health does not change in any way, and the cough itself in smokers does not cause any concern and is habitual throughout life.

One of the characteristic features of this disease is the alternation of periods of exacerbation and remission.

People with symptoms of chronic bronchitis are more likely than others to suffer from acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections, while the risk of damage to the lower sections of the bronchial tree and the development of pneumonia increases several times.

In the future, during the period of exacerbation of bronchitis, the symptoms become more pronounced. The cough is greatly intensified, manifested by seizures, becomes hoarse, tearing the throat, without sputum discharge. Other symptoms appear – constant weakness, fatigue, night sweats. With exertion, shortness of breath begins to appear.

Occupational bronchitis

This type of chronic bronchitis develops in people of certain professions. Such people at work constantly deal with finely dispersed substances that enter the lungs when breathing.

This form of bronchitis, for example, often develops in people associated with the production of asbestos, coal, latex, talc, while working with cotton, silica.

Prolonged contact and inhalation of these substances irritate the lung tissue, accumulate in the lungs, which causes inflammation and coughing. With regular exposure to these factors, in the absence of treatment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often develops.

Another bronchitis without fever – dust. It is also a chronic occupational lung disease that begins to develop when inhaling air containing an increased concentration of dust. Most often, miners suffer from it.

Diagnosis

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to diagnose bronchitis in order to understand its origin and find the causative agent of the disease (if any).

The main diagnostic procedures are:

• general blood and urine test;
• blood biochemistry;
• X-ray of the chest organs or computed tomography – according to indications for the differential diagnosis of the disease and the identification of probable complications;
• spirometry or peak flowmetry;
• if necessary, bronchoscopy or bronchography;
• ECG, and if necessary – ultrasound of the heart;
• microbiological sputum analysis.

To exclude hypoxia, especially if bronchiolitis is suspected, it is recommended to monitor saturation.

Differential diagnosis and complications

The symptoms of bronchitis often resemble those of pneumonia. Therefore, first of all, differential diagnosis with this dangerous disease is required. The main differences between pneumonia are respiratory failure, persistent fever, lesions in the lungs on the x-ray.

The most common complication of acute bronchitis is bronchopneumonia. It develops with a decrease in local immunity, lack of proper treatment, as well as with the addition of a bacterial infection.

In the case of chronic bronchitis, the risks of other lung diseases increase: COPD, bronchial asthma, emphysema and bronchiectasis, the likelihood of complications of acute respiratory infections in the form of bacterial pneumonia increases significantly.

Also, against the background of chronic lung diseases, disorders of the cardiovascular system are possible – hypertension, pulmonary hypertension.

Treatment

Therapy will depend on the presence or absence of complications, as well as the general condition of the patient.

Uncomplicated acute viral bronchitis

The therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is required only in case of development of respiratory failure and possible accession of pneumonia.

Signs of possible complications will be:

• high temperature above 38 °C, pain in the chest, and the symptoms do not go away, increase over 2-3 days;
• the appearance of shortness of breath, shortness of breath begins to develop with minimal physical exertion, at rest;
• cough with bloody sputum;
• children’s age;
• the presence of concomitant serious diseases.

Cough with bronchitis is not so easy to cure. The main goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms of the disease and maintain immunity. Bronchitis without coughing is very rare.

Today, the most effective methods of treating acute bronchitis of viral etiology are:

• antivirals;
• paracetamol or ibuprofen – in case of temperature increase above 38 °C;
• copious warm drink;
• frequent airing of the room, the creation of good indicators of humidity and temperature. This noticeably facilitates breathing and improves the excretion of sputum;
• smoking cessation;
• mucolytic or antitussive drugs (depending on the type of cough).

Antibiotics for bronchitis of viral origin are not prescribed, since they are absolutely ineffective.

Acute obstructive bronchitis

Therapy of this type of inflammation has some features. Treatment is recommended to be carried out using a device that sprays the drug into the respiratory tract – a nebulizer.

For inhalation, solutions of mucolytics (ambroxol, acetylcysteine), bronchodilators (fenoterol and ipratropium bromide) are used. They are mixed with saline and help prevent the development of bronchial edema, which is important for preventing shortness of breath. In some cases, inhaled corticosteroids may be recommended for treatment. The duration of the course and the frequency of use of drugs are recommended only by a doctor.

Bacterial bronchitis

In the treatment of this type of disease, it is recommended to use antibacterial agents that are prescribed by the attending physician. A number of antibiotics can be prescribed as inhalations through a nebulizer. In addition, symptomatic therapy is recommended to improve sputum discharge.

A special group are patients at risk – those who are over 75 years of age, have severe comorbidities or are using immunosuppressive therapy. For them, the dosage of drugs is prescribed individually.

Chronic bronchitis

With the development of this course of the disease, long-term and individually selected treatment is required. There is no single cure for bronchitis for everyone: each treatment plan is made depending on the age of the patient, the symptoms present, the severity of their manifestation and the duration of the course.

In case of exacerbation and the appearance of purulent sputum, antibiotics can be prescribed, but this is done only according to the results of a sputum sensitivity test. They help to fight sputum with bronchitis, drugs that thin it and help to cough up.

If chronic bronchitis is allergic, antihistamines are prescribed. Recommended warm plentiful alkaline drink, breathing exercises, physiotherapy. Vitamin and mineral complexes may be prescribed.

After an exacerbation, a spa treatment is recommended. It is also important to identify and eliminate the provoking factor that led to the development of the disease in its chronic form.

Prognosis and prevention

With proper and timely treatment of bronchitis, the prognosis is favorable. Usually, full recovery occurs within 2-3 weeks from the onset of symptoms. However, a cough in a quarter of all patients can persist for another one, and in some cases two months.

Effective measures to prevent bronchitis include:

• washing hands with soap, rinsing the nose and mouth with saline solution;
• vaccination against bronchopulmonary infections;
• smoking cessation;
• proper nutrition with adequate protein content;
• hardening.

It is also advisable to air the room hourly, do wet cleaning, control humidity and air temperature.

The author of the article:

Ivanova Natalya Vladimirovna

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causes, diagnosis, symptoms, who treats

What needs to be done to diagnose and treat bronchitis ? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with a pulmonologist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional tests:

• CT scan of the chest
• chest x-ray
• blood test
• spirometry
• pulse oximetry
• echocardiography.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, the tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs. Patients with bronchitis often have a cough that produces thick, colorless mucus. They also experience wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Types of bronchitis

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic:

• acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis develops after a cold or other respiratory infection. Symptoms last less than 3 weeks, often improve within days without any lasting effects
• chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis is classified as chronic if symptoms, primarily a productive cough, persist for more than 3 months within 2 years. The persistent inflammation of the lining of the bronchi leads to an excessive accumulation of sticky mucus in the airways, which restricts the flow of air into and out of the lungs.

Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Many patients with chronic bronchitis eventually develop emphysema, which is also a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Symptoms of bronchitis

After a long period of inflammation and irritation of the bronchi, chronic bronchitis leads to several characteristic symptoms. Common signs of chronic bronchitis include:

• persistent cough
• coughing up yellow, green or white mucus
• wheezing
• chest discomfort.

Over time, the amount of mucus gradually increases due to increased mucus production in the lungs. It accumulates in the bronchi, causing difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity. Other symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

• weakness
• fever
• frequent and severe respiratory infections
• wheezing and wheezing when breathing
• bluish nails, lips and skin due to low oxygen levels
• swelling of the legs and ankles.

As chronic bronchitis progresses, symptoms change in severity and frequency. For example, a cough may disappear for a while and then reappear. More severe episodes can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• respiratory tract infections such as colds or flu
• infections in other parts of the body
• exposure to environmental irritants such as air pollution or dust
• heart disease.

Causes of bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis occurs when the lining of the bronchi is constantly irritated and inflamed. Constant irritation and swelling damage the airways and cause a buildup of sticky mucus. This leads to difficulty breathing, which gradually gets worse. Causes of chronic bronchitis include:

• infections. Infections usually cause initial irritation and swelling leading to acute bronchitis
• smoking. Smoking is a leading risk factor for the development of chronic bronchitis. More than 90% of patients with this disease have a history of smoking
• passive smoking. Passive smoking also increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis
• air pollution. Exposure to polluted air, chemical or industrial fumes, dust, and toxic gases increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis.

Which doctor diagnoses bronchitis

Many people ignore the symptoms of chronic bronchitis, believing that it is just a smoker’s cough. However, it is important to immediately contact a general practitioner or pulmonologist at the slightest suspicion of bronchitis. If chronic bronchitis is not treated promptly, the risk of serious lung damage is significantly increased, which can lead to complications. Seek immediate medical attention if cough:

• lasts more than 3 weeks
• interferes with sleep
• temperature above 38°C
• discolored mucus or blood is excreted
• causes wheezing or shortness of breath.

How a Doctor Diagnoses Bronchitis

To diagnose chronic bronchitis, a doctor will start with a medical history, including symptoms and other medical conditions, and a physical examination. He will also order the following tests:

• chest x-ray. Chest x-ray rules out other lung conditions, such as pneumonia, that can cause coughing
• blood test. Blood test used to look for signs of infection
• spirometry. This is a lung function test that involves blowing air into a device called a spirometer to measure the flow of air going in and out of the lungs
• arterial blood gases. This method, also called blood gas analysis, measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. The result allows the doctor to know how well the lungs are able to carry oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide
• pulse oximetry. This test measures the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. This is a simple method that involves attaching a small device to a part of the body, usually a finger
• computed tomography of the lungs. A CT scan takes a series of x-rays. This type of scan may be ordered if the doctor needs to get a more detailed picture of the lungs than can be done with an x-ray.

How a doctor treats bronchitis

Although chronic bronchitis is incurable, it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, especially if diagnosed early.

Drug treatment of bronchitis

Depending on the severity of the condition, the treatment plan may consist of the following:

bronchodilator. A bronchodilator is a medicine that opens up the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. The substance is usually inhaled through an inhaler, a device that pumps medication into the lungs

theophylline. Theophylline is an oral medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways so they open up better

steroids. If symptoms do not improve after taking bronchodilators or theophylline, a doctor may prescribe steroids. These medicines can be taken by inhaler or as tablets

pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program aimed at improving breathing and general well-being. It consists of exercises, nutritional advice and breathing strategies. Some programs also include counseling.

Treating bronchitis at home

Making certain lifestyle changes and using natural remedies can also help relieve the symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Note the following:

• inhaling warm, moist air from a humidifier can relieve coughs and loosen mucus in the airways
• taking steps to limit the number of inhaled irritants also reduces inflammation and coughing
• Physical activity strengthens the muscles that help you breathe. Exercise for at least 5 minutes a day, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of your workouts
• Breathing with pursed lips sometimes relieves difficult breathing.

Treatment options

There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are several treatments and therapies that can help manage symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes can also help you feel more comfortable. The prognosis for chronic bronchitis varies greatly, depending on factors such as:

• disease severity
• how well the patient responds to treatment
• general health
• whether the patient smoked or not.

Prevention

The best way to prevent bronchitis is to stop smoking. The more smoke inhaled, the more painful the lungs become. Quitting smoking improves breathing and reduces coughing, and reduces the risk of lung cancer.

It is also recommended to avoid exposure to other substances that can be harmful, such as aerosols, hair sprays, deodorants and spray paints. Similarly, the patient should avoid breathing dust or chemical fumes. One way to protect your lungs is to use a face mask or respirator that covers your mouth and nose when working with any chemicals.

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Scientific sources:

1. Myagkov, N.I. Chronic bronchitis / N.I. Myagkov, P.S. Nazar. – Kiev: Health, 1994. 150 p.
2. Tyurin, E.I. Radiation diagnostics in assessing lung dysfunction in bronchial obstruction / E.I. Tyurin, V.I. Amosov, G.S. Amoashhy // Vestn. radiology. 1993. – No. 1. – P.37-40.
3. Balakhonova T.V. Ultrasound examination of arteries in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Science. honey. Sciences, M., 2002.
4. Kuperberg E.B. Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of occlusive lesions of the arteries of the brain and lower extremities / E.B. Kuperberg. -M.: AO “Bioss”, 1996. 179 p.
5. Alekhin M.N., Sedov V.P. Doppler echocardiography: Study guide; -M.: 1997. -80s.

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