What are the key differences between bronchitis and pneumonia. How can you distinguish between their symptoms. What treatment options are available for each condition. How do risk factors and complications differ for bronchitis and pneumonia.

Understanding Bronchitis: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs. This condition can be categorized into two main types: acute and chronic bronchitis.

Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is typically caused by viral infections, with bacterial and fungal infections being less common. Environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, and air pollution can also trigger bronchitis.

The primary symptoms of acute bronchitis include:

• Severe coughing, often producing mucus
• Clear, green, or yellow mucus
• Fever or chills
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or fullness
• Sore throat

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by ongoing inflammation of the airways. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis does not go away, although symptoms may fluctuate in intensity over time.

Pneumonia: A Serious Lung Infection

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. It can be bacterial, viral, or fungal in nature and is generally considered more serious than bronchitis.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Severe coughing with mucus production
• Yellow, green, or blood-tinged mucus
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain
• Fatigue and low energy
• Sore throat

Additional symptoms that may help distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis include:

• Confusion, especially in older adults
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Nausea and vomiting (particularly in children)
• Loss of appetite
• Chills and muscle aches

Comparing Bronchitis and Pneumonia: Key Differences

While bronchitis and pneumonia share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two conditions:

1. Location of inflammation: Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes, while pneumonia impacts the air sacs in the lungs.
2. Severity: Pneumonia is generally considered more severe than acute bronchitis.
3. Duration: Acute bronchitis typically lasts a few days to a few weeks, while pneumonia can persist for several weeks.
4. Causative agents: Bronchitis is most often viral, whereas pneumonia can be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
5. Breathing patterns: Wheezing is more common in bronchitis, while rapid, shallow breathing is more characteristic of pneumonia.

Treatment Approaches for Bronchitis and Pneumonia

The treatment strategies for bronchitis and pneumonia differ based on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Treating Acute Bronchitis

Since most cases of acute bronchitis are viral, antibiotics are generally not effective. Treatment typically focuses on symptom management and may include:

• Rest
• Increased fluid intake
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Cough medications
• Use of a humidifier to ease nighttime coughing

In cases of bacterial bronchitis, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Managing Chronic Bronchitis

While chronic bronchitis is not curable, several interventions can help improve breathing and quality of life:

• Inhalers
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Medications to reduce airway inflammation

Treating Pneumonia

The treatment approach for pneumonia depends on its type:

• Bacterial pneumonia: Antibiotics are the primary treatment.
• Viral pneumonia: Antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases.
• Fungal pneumonia: Antifungal drugs are used for treatment.

In addition to specific medications, supportive care such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended.

Risk Factors and Complications: Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia

Understanding the risk factors and potential complications of bronchitis and pneumonia is crucial for proper management and prevention.

Bronchitis Risk Factors and Complications

Risk factors for bronchitis include:

• Smoking
• Exposure to air pollutants
• Weakened immune system
• Chronic respiratory conditions

Complications of chronic bronchitis can include:

• Increased risk of pneumonia
• Heart or lung damage
• Difficulty getting enough oxygen, leading to organ damage

Acute bronchitis rarely leads to serious complications in healthy individuals but may progress to pneumonia in those with weakened immune systems.

Pneumonia Risk Factors and Complications

Risk factors for pneumonia include:

• Age (very young children and older adults)
• Chronic medical conditions
• Weakened immune system
• Smoking
• Hospitalization

Potential complications of pneumonia can be severe and may include:

• Respiratory failure
• Sepsis
• Lung abscesses
• Pleural effusion

Prevention Strategies for Bronchitis and Pneumonia

While not all cases of bronchitis and pneumonia can be prevented, several strategies can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions:

1. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
2. Practice good hand hygiene
3. Get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise
5. Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections
6. Use protective equipment when exposed to lung irritants

When to Seek Medical Attention

Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider is essential for proper management of bronchitis and pneumonia.

For bronchitis, seek medical attention if:

• Symptoms persist for more than three weeks
• You have a fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• You’re coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
• You experience shortness of breath or chest pain

For pneumonia, seek immediate medical care if:

• You have difficulty breathing
• You experience chest pain
• Your fever is high or persistent
• You feel confused or disoriented

Long-term Management and Outlook

The long-term management and prognosis for bronchitis and pneumonia can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Bronchitis Outlook

Acute bronchitis typically resolves within a few weeks without long-term effects. However, individuals with chronic bronchitis may require ongoing management to maintain lung function and quality of life. This may include:

• Regular check-ups with a pulmonologist
• Adherence to prescribed medications
• Participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs
• Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking

Pneumonia Outlook

The prognosis for pneumonia varies depending on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the type of pneumonia. Most people recover from pneumonia within a few weeks to a month, but some may experience lingering fatigue or weakness for several months.

For some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions, pneumonia can lead to long-term complications or be life-threatening. Regular follow-up care and adherence to treatment plans are crucial for optimal recovery.

In conclusion, while bronchitis and pneumonia share some similarities, they are distinct conditions with different causes, treatments, and potential outcomes. Understanding these differences can help individuals recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care, and take preventive measures to protect their respiratory health. By staying informed and proactive, we can better manage these common yet potentially serious respiratory conditions.

Bronchitis vs. pneumonia: How to tell

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. Pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. Both conditions share some similar symptoms, but there are also key differences.

Both infections affect breathing and can cause intense pain and coughing, but there are some important differences between them.

Read on to learn more about the differences in symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and how to treat both conditions.

Acute bronchitis, the infectious form of which affects most people with the disease, is only very rarely fatal. Chronic bronchitis, however, can slowly destroy lung function and may become life threatening.

Causes

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air from the trachea, or windpipe, into and through the lungs.

Acute bronchitis has distinct forms that vary, depending on the causes:

• Viral bronchitis: Viral infections cause most cases of bronchitis. A person may develop a cough or trouble breathing after a virus, such as the common cold or flu.
• Bacterial bronchitis: Bacterial infections can also cause bronchitis. A person may suddenly develop breathing difficulties or notice breathing problems following another illness.
• Fungal infections occasionally cause bronchitis.
• Other causes: Besides infection, exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution can also cause bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis causes ongoing inflammation of the airways. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms

The symptoms of bronchitis are similar, regardless of which type causes the disease. However, chronic bronchitis does not go away, although symptoms can wax and wane.

Viral and bacterial bronchitis typically last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some symptoms include:

• severe coughing, often producing mucus
• clear, green, or yellow mucus
• fever or chills
• wheezing or trouble breathing, especially when lying down
• feelings of fullness or tightness in the chest
• sore throat

Learn more about the symptoms of bronchitis here.

Treatment

Since most cases of acute bronchitis are viral, they will not respond to antibiotics.

The following treatment options may help:

• rest
• drinking plenty of fluids
• over-the-counter pain relievers
• cough medication

A humidifier can also ease coughing at night. When a bacterial infection causes bronchitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is not curable. However, a number of interventions can help a person breathe more easily.

Some doctors might recommend inhalers, oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation therapy, or other medications to help reduce inflammation in the airways.

Both acute and chronic bronchitis are more common in people who smoke. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of bronchitis and prevent further damage to the airways.

Read about some home remedies for bronchitis here.

Risk factors

Chronic bronchitis can lead to serious complications, including death from heart or lung damage. Over time, a person’s body may not be able to get enough oxygen from the blood, damaging organs and potentially causing other illnesses.

Chronic bronchitis also greatly increases the risk of pneumonia and can make it more difficult for a person’s body to fight pneumonia.

Acute bronchitis does not usually cause serious complications. However, in a person with a weak immune system, it may lead to other infections, including pneumonia and sepsis.

Chronic lower respiratory diseases, including bronchitis, claimed 160,201 lives in the United States in 2016.

Pneumonia is a very serious health condition and can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. In 2017, there were 49,157 deaths from pneumonia in the U.S.

Causes

People with chronic medical conditions may repeatedly get pneumonia. Many people develop pneumonia after a viral infection. It is also possible to get pneumonia after bronchitis.

Some vaccinations can reduce the risk of pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccination, for example, can help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is common among older people and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pneumonia are very similar to those of bronchitis. They include:

• severe coughing, producing mucus
• yellow, green, or blood tinged mucus
• fever
• shortness of breath
• chest pain that may feel sharp or stabbing
• fatigue and low energy
• sore throat

Some symptoms that may help distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis include:

• confusion in some people, especially seniors
• rapid, shallow breathing instead of wheezing
• nausea and vomiting, particularly in children and babies
• loss of appetite
• chills and muscle aches

Treatment

The best form of treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia a person has. Antibiotics can treat bacterial pneumonia, and antifungals can treat fungal pneumonia, but there is no specific treatment for viral forms.

Some other strategies that may help include:

• taking pain relievers to reduce pain and control a person’s fever
• drinking plenty of fluids
• getting lots of rest
• using a humidifier or steam to help loosen mucus
• avoiding smoking

While some people find relief from cough medicine, coughing is an important way for the body to get rid of infections. An individual should talk to a doctor before using cough medicine.

Some people with pneumonia may need supportive care in the hospital. Intravenous fluids and medication for other symptoms, such as high fever, may help a person to recover faster.

Read about some home remedies that may help to ease the symptoms of pneumonia here.

Risk factors

Pneumonia ranges in severity from relatively mild to life threatening when breathing becomes very difficult. It is more dangerous in babies, young children, seniors, and people with other illnesses.

Pneumonia can decrease blood oxygen and damage the organs. People with pneumonia may die from respiratory failure, shock, sepsis, and lung abscesses.

The same infections that cause bronchitis may also cause pneumonia. Moreover, chronic bronchitis is a risk factor for developing pneumonia and other serious infections.

A person with a previous diagnosis of one type of infection may still develop another infection. It is crucial to watch out for changing or worsening symptoms.

The symptoms of the two diseases are virtually indistinguishable to most people. Only a doctor can conclusively diagnose the cause of breathing difficulties.

Both bronchitis and pneumonia can be severe and life threatening. It is important not to self-diagnose either condition and take all breathing symptoms seriously.

People should see a doctor if:

• they have difficulty breathing
• it feels impossible to stop coughing
• they have a very high fever
• symptoms of pneumonia or bronchitis do not get better with treatment, or symptoms get better and then return
• they have another chronic illness and breathing difficulties
• a baby or young child gasps for air, has irregular breathing, or cannot catch their breath

Breathing issues can quickly worsen. If a doctor is unable to see a person with suspected bronchitis or pneumonia within a day, a person must go to the emergency room or seek urgent care.

Bronchitis and pneumonia are both highly treatable, especially when a person seeks treatment as soon as symptoms appear.

Both conditions have very similar symptoms, which is why people often confuse these diseases. In most cases, a person will not be able to tell the difference without a diagnosis from a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Prompt medical care can save lives, prevent lost time with family and friends, and help people get back to their normal life, as soon as possible.

Bronchitis vs. pneumonia: How to tell

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. Pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. Both conditions share some similar symptoms, but there are also key differences.

Both infections affect breathing and can cause intense pain and coughing, but there are some important differences between them.

Read on to learn more about the differences in symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and how to treat both conditions.

Acute bronchitis, the infectious form of which affects most people with the disease, is only very rarely fatal. Chronic bronchitis, however, can slowly destroy lung function and may become life threatening.

Causes

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air from the trachea, or windpipe, into and through the lungs.

Acute bronchitis has distinct forms that vary, depending on the causes:

• Viral bronchitis: Viral infections cause most cases of bronchitis. A person may develop a cough or trouble breathing after a virus, such as the common cold or flu.
• Bacterial bronchitis: Bacterial infections can also cause bronchitis. A person may suddenly develop breathing difficulties or notice breathing problems following another illness.
• Fungal infections occasionally cause bronchitis.
• Other causes: Besides infection, exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution can also cause bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis causes ongoing inflammation of the airways. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms

The symptoms of bronchitis are similar, regardless of which type causes the disease. However, chronic bronchitis does not go away, although symptoms can wax and wane.

Viral and bacterial bronchitis typically last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some symptoms include:

• severe coughing, often producing mucus
• clear, green, or yellow mucus
• fever or chills
• wheezing or trouble breathing, especially when lying down
• feelings of fullness or tightness in the chest
• sore throat

Learn more about the symptoms of bronchitis here.

Treatment

Since most cases of acute bronchitis are viral, they will not respond to antibiotics.

The following treatment options may help:

• rest
• drinking plenty of fluids
• over-the-counter pain relievers
• cough medication

A humidifier can also ease coughing at night. When a bacterial infection causes bronchitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is not curable. However, a number of interventions can help a person breathe more easily.

Some doctors might recommend inhalers, oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation therapy, or other medications to help reduce inflammation in the airways.

Both acute and chronic bronchitis are more common in people who smoke. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of bronchitis and prevent further damage to the airways.

Read about some home remedies for bronchitis here.

Risk factors

Chronic bronchitis can lead to serious complications, including death from heart or lung damage. Over time, a person’s body may not be able to get enough oxygen from the blood, damaging organs and potentially causing other illnesses.

Chronic bronchitis also greatly increases the risk of pneumonia and can make it more difficult for a person’s body to fight pneumonia.

Acute bronchitis does not usually cause serious complications. However, in a person with a weak immune system, it may lead to other infections, including pneumonia and sepsis.

Chronic lower respiratory diseases, including bronchitis, claimed 160,201 lives in the United States in 2016.

Pneumonia is a very serious health condition and can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. In 2017, there were 49,157 deaths from pneumonia in the U.S.

Causes

People with chronic medical conditions may repeatedly get pneumonia. Many people develop pneumonia after a viral infection. It is also possible to get pneumonia after bronchitis.

Some vaccinations can reduce the risk of pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccination, for example, can help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is common among older people and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pneumonia are very similar to those of bronchitis. They include:

• severe coughing, producing mucus
• yellow, green, or blood tinged mucus
• fever
• shortness of breath
• chest pain that may feel sharp or stabbing
• fatigue and low energy
• sore throat

Some symptoms that may help distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis include:

• confusion in some people, especially seniors
• rapid, shallow breathing instead of wheezing
• nausea and vomiting, particularly in children and babies
• loss of appetite
• chills and muscle aches

Treatment

The best form of treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia a person has. Antibiotics can treat bacterial pneumonia, and antifungals can treat fungal pneumonia, but there is no specific treatment for viral forms.

Some other strategies that may help include:

• taking pain relievers to reduce pain and control a person’s fever
• drinking plenty of fluids
• getting lots of rest
• using a humidifier or steam to help loosen mucus
• avoiding smoking

While some people find relief from cough medicine, coughing is an important way for the body to get rid of infections. An individual should talk to a doctor before using cough medicine.

Some people with pneumonia may need supportive care in the hospital. Intravenous fluids and medication for other symptoms, such as high fever, may help a person to recover faster.

Read about some home remedies that may help to ease the symptoms of pneumonia here.

Risk factors

Pneumonia ranges in severity from relatively mild to life threatening when breathing becomes very difficult. It is more dangerous in babies, young children, seniors, and people with other illnesses.

Pneumonia can decrease blood oxygen and damage the organs. People with pneumonia may die from respiratory failure, shock, sepsis, and lung abscesses.

The same infections that cause bronchitis may also cause pneumonia. Moreover, chronic bronchitis is a risk factor for developing pneumonia and other serious infections.

A person with a previous diagnosis of one type of infection may still develop another infection. It is crucial to watch out for changing or worsening symptoms.

The symptoms of the two diseases are virtually indistinguishable to most people. Only a doctor can conclusively diagnose the cause of breathing difficulties.

Both bronchitis and pneumonia can be severe and life threatening. It is important not to self-diagnose either condition and take all breathing symptoms seriously.

People should see a doctor if:

• they have difficulty breathing
• it feels impossible to stop coughing
• they have a very high fever
• symptoms of pneumonia or bronchitis do not get better with treatment, or symptoms get better and then return
• they have another chronic illness and breathing difficulties
• a baby or young child gasps for air, has irregular breathing, or cannot catch their breath

Breathing issues can quickly worsen. If a doctor is unable to see a person with suspected bronchitis or pneumonia within a day, a person must go to the emergency room or seek urgent care.

Bronchitis and pneumonia are both highly treatable, especially when a person seeks treatment as soon as symptoms appear.

Both conditions have very similar symptoms, which is why people often confuse these diseases. In most cases, a person will not be able to tell the difference without a diagnosis from a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Prompt medical care can save lives, prevent lost time with family and friends, and help people get back to their normal life, as soon as possible.

Pain when coughing – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

Fungus

Ulcer

Tracheitis

Pneumonia

Pleurisy

Gastroesophageal reflux

Lung cancer

Pericarditis

Neuralgia

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09 December

Pain when coughing: causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

Cough pain is most often associated with respiratory diseases and is localized in the chest.

The respiratory system consists of the upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, larynx) and the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi and lungs). The air passing through the respiratory tract is purified, warmed, moistened. At the end of the smallest bronchi (bronchioles) are the alveolar passages and alveolar sacs, in which gas exchange occurs. Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveolar sacs with alveoli make up the alveolar tree, or respiratory parenchyma of the lung. The listed structures, originating from one terminal bronchiole, form a functional-anatomical unit – the acinus. The alveolar ducts and sacs belonging to one respiratory bronchiole make up the primary lobule (there are about 16 of them in each acinus). The number of acini in both lungs reaches 30,000, and the alveoli – 300-350 million. Slices are made up of acini, segments are made of lobules, lobes are made of segments, and the whole lung is made of lobes.

Each lung is enclosed in a double membrane – two sheets of pleura, between which there is an airtight pleural cavity filled with a very small amount of fluid.

Cough is a protective reaction of the body to any irritation of the respiratory tract. Irritants of cough receptors can be sputum, blood in the respiratory tract, nasal mucus flowing down the back of the throat, various allergens, smoke, dust, foreign bodies, cold air, some drugs, etc.

Varieties of pain when coughing

Pain when coughing can be strong or weak intensity, acute or dull, limited or spilled. Localization of pain depends on the cause of the cough and on the affected organ. It can be felt in the throat, behind the sternum, inside the chest, under the ribs, in the back, abdomen, and radiate to the head. Cough and pain can be both symptoms of the same disease, and independent of each other.

Possible causes of pain when coughing

The following causes of pain when coughing are distinguished:

• overstrain of the respiratory muscles involved in coughing;
• diseases of the respiratory system;
• heart disease;
• injuries and diseases of the bones, muscles and nerves of the chest;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• kidney diseases, etc.

What diseases cause pain when coughing?

In diseases accompanied by a constant painful cough, the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm are overstrained, which is manifested by dull, diffuse muscle pain.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea (with tracheitis) causes a dry, loud, hacking, rough cough, which is characterized by burning and pain behind the sternum.

The severity of the pain decreases when a dry cough turns into a wet one. Tracheitis is more often infectious, caused by viruses or bacteria.

In patients, the general state of health worsens, the body temperature rises.

With inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) there is a deep cough with sputum, there is pain in the chest in the projection of the inflamed area of ​​the lung.

The pain increases with coughing and deep inspiration due to the movement of the pleura, and decreases if the patient lies on the side of the affected lung.

Inflammation of the lungs can be primary, in which case the disease begins acutely – with chills, weakness, fever up to 38-39°C, accompanied by cough and difficulty breathing, more often proceeds as a lobar lesion, that is, the inflammatory process captures the whole lobe with the involvement of a large area of ​​the pleura. And it happens secondary, when inflammation passes from the bronchi to the lung tissue. A focus of bronchopneumonia occurs, but even in this case the pleura may become inflamed, with the only difference being that the size of the lesion is much smaller. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites.

Pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura) may or may not be infectious. Infectious pleurisy occurs with pneumonia, lung abscess, bronchiectasis (expansion and deformation of the bronchi with the development of chronic purulent inflammation), tuberculosis, abscess under the diaphragm, inflammation of the perirenal adipose tissue, inflammation of the pancreas. Non-infectious pleurisy due to systemic connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.), spread of tumor cells to the pleura, decreased pumping function of the heart (for example, with myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism), chest trauma (closed fracture of the ribs ) etc. Pleurisy can be dry, in this case the amount of fluid in the pleural cavity decreases, the inflamed pleura sheets do not slide, but rub against each other when breathing, which provokes a very painful reflex cough, which increases with inspiration. Pleurisy is exudative when, due to the inflammatory process, fluid is secreted and accumulates in the pleural cavity. During the period of fluid accumulation, the clinical picture is similar to dry pleurisy, then the fluid pushes the pleura sheets apart, the pain becomes weaker, but at the same time, due to compression of the lung, shortness of breath occurs.

With gastroesophageal reflux disease , due to the reflux of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus, its mucous membrane becomes inflamed, heartburn, sour belching, pain, burning behind the sternum and a cough that aggravates pain are observed.

The lung tissue does not have pain receptors, therefore in lung cancer pain appears when tumor cells grow into the surrounding tissues – the pleura, trachea, bronchi, etc. In this case, the patient is worried about a painful cough, often with blood. General well-being worsens, weakness, weight loss for no apparent reason worries.

A similar situation occurs if metastases from other organs enter the lungs, this may be with cancer of the breast, stomach, esophagus, rectum, skin (melanoma), kidneys, liver, etc.

Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), according analogies with pleurisy, it is dry and effusion. It can be caused by heart diseases (myocardial infarction, inflammation of the heart muscle, etc.), various infections, systemic connective tissue diseases, heart injuries, tumors, etc. Dry pericarditis is accompanied by gradually increasing dull, pressing pain behind the sternum, radiating to the neck, left shoulder blade. In this case, there is a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dry cough, which increases the pain. As fluid accumulates between the sheets of the pericardium, the condition worsens due to compression of the heart.

Intercostal neuralgia occurs when the intercostal nerve is compressed at the level of exit from the spine or along its course. It is manifested by acute, aching pain, aggravated during a deep breath and cough.

Cough increases pressure in the abdominal cavity and pelvic area, therefore, with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, appendicitis), pelvic organs (for example, inflammation of the ovaries), hernias (white line of the abdomen, umbilical, inguinal) cough can provoke or exacerbate existing pain.

The brain and spinal cord are washed with cerebrospinal fluid, its fluctuations when coughing increase intracranial pressure , headache occurs. This process can be of a natural nature, or it can hide serious diseases: volumetric formations in the cranial cavity, vascular anomalies that prevent the movement of cerebrospinal fluid.

Which doctors to contact?

First of all, you should refer to
general practitioner or general practitioner, and he, if necessary, will refer you for a consultation with a specialist (
gastroenterologist,
neurologist
cardiologist, etc.).

Diagnostics and examinations in case of pain when coughing

To identify the causes of pain when coughing, the doctor collects an anamnesis, conducts a thorough examination of the patient and prescribes additional laboratory and instrumental studies.

• Clinical blood test with expanded leukocyte formula.

ECG without interpretation

ECG is a study based on the recording of biopotentials of the heart. It is used to diagnose the functional activity of the myocardium.

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Examination of the mucous membrane of the upper gastrointestinal tract with the possibility of performing a biopsy or endoscopic removal of small pathological . ..

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What should I do if I have pain when coughing?

Cough pain is a reason to see a specialist.

If the pain is of high intensity or is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being, a rise in body temperature, increasing shortness of breath, heart palpitations, hemoptysis, nausea, vomiting and other serious symptoms, seeking medical help should be immediate.

Cough pain treatment

Pain when coughing is only a symptom, therefore, to eliminate it, the underlying disease is treated.

In infectious and inflammatory lesions of the respiratory system, antiviral, antibacterial and other drugs that affect the infectious agent are used. Symptomatic treatment is carried out with anti-inflammatory, sputum-thinning and expectorant drugs, less often – drugs that stop coughing.

If pleurisy or pericarditis has an effusion (accumulation of fluid in a cavity), puncture the lung or heart membrane to remove the fluid and unload the lungs or heart.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is treated with drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice and reduce its amount, as well as drugs that speed up the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract.

An attack of intercostal neuralgia is relieved by the use of painkillers in the form of tablets, injections or transdermal patches.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Community-acquired pneumonia in adults”. Developed by: Russian Respiratory Society, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. – 2021.
2. Cough: a guide for general practitioners (family doctors). – 2015.
3. Clinical guidelines “Pneumonia (community-acquired)” (children). Developed by: Union of Pediatricians of Russia, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. – 2022.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Bronchitis: symptoms and treatment. Treatment of bronchitis in Ryazan

The main factors contributing to the disease of bronchitis may be an improperly treated cold, infection of the body with bacteria or viruses. Additional causes are inhalation of dust, tobacco smoke, fumes of toxic chemicals, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle, negative habits, reduced immunity, constant overwork, chronic stress, taking certain medications, and much more.

Tendency to bronchitis may be due to structural characteristics of the respiratory system. For example, with narrow gaps in the bronchi, even a slight inflammation contributes to the formation and accumulation of sputum, and this is an ideal environment for the development of harmful microorganisms.

Types and symptoms of bronchitis

There are several types of bronchitis. Each of them has its own symptoms. And depending on the specific type, the treatment of bronchitis is prescribed.

Acute bronchitis usually occurs in autumn and winter. It is characterized by symptoms similar to colds:

• lethargy, weakness, fatigue, decreased performance;
• sore throat;
• Dry cough, which then “transforms” into a wet one. The color of the mucus is transparent, with a hint of yellowness, greenish;
• in some cases – an increase in temperature to 38-40 degrees;
• increased sweating, chills;
• when drying in the chest, pronounced wheezing is heard.

In acute bronchitis, in case of a severe course of the disease, hemoptysis, pus, and difficulty in breathing can be observed. The average duration of acute bronchitis is two weeks.

Infections can also provoke bronchitis. In infectious bronchitis observed:

• dry cough, which after a while becomes wet. With moderate bronchitis, the cough is strong, breathing is difficult;
• weakness, high fatigue;
• pain and discomfort in the chest area;
• fever;
• when listening to the sternum, signs such as wheezing and hard breathing are noticeable.

There are also allergic bronchitis. They are diagnosed according to the following features:

• dry cough;
• dry rales;
• body temperature does not rise;
• inspiratory dyspnoea;
• cough does not produce purulent sputum;
• disappearance after removal of the allergen.

This type of bronchitis occurs by direct contact with an allergen – plant pollen, perfume, wool, household chemicals or others.

Possible also chemical bronchitis. It occurs when chemical elements that irritate the mucous membranes enter the respiratory system. Its most common symptoms are:

• severe agonizing cough;
• headache;
• chest pain;
• shortness of breath to the point of developing symptoms of respiratory failure;
• harsh dry rales;
• mucous membranes become bluish.

Chronic bronchitis is a disease that lasts for several months. At the same time, it can be repeated annually, and each time the manifestation of symptoms is observed for an increasingly longer time. Chronic bronchitis develops with prolonged exposure to the body of provoking factors – tobacco smoke, toxic substances and others.

Possible complications after the disease

In case of improper treatment, transfer of the disease on the legs, weakening of the immune system, the disease can cause serious complications. These include pneumonia up to the septic process, obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma. The latter is most often manifested in patients prone to allergic reactions. The result of refusal of treatment or improper therapy is also chronic bronchitis. If a person leads a healthy lifestyle, and the treatment is chosen correctly, health is fully restored in two to three weeks.

How bronchitis is treated

Treatment of bronchitis should be complex. It is aimed at eliminating the infection that caused the disease, reducing swelling of the mucous membranes, clearing the bronchial lumen from accumulated mucus, and eliminating the symptoms of intoxication. The disease is treated with pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy, auxiliary methods.

For the treatment of bronchitis, drugs are prescribed:

• antibacterial or antiviral – depending on the nature of the disease;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which relieve not only inflammation, but also pain and fever;
• mucolytic preparations that thin sputum;
• expectorants – increasing the secretion of mucus with a wet cough;
• fortifying preparations.