Symptoms that distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis

Symptoms that distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis

Bronchitis and pneumonia are two different diseases that affect the respiratory system, but their symptoms can be quite similar. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two diseases, but there are a few key signs that help make the right diagnosis.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection. One of the main symptoms of pneumonia is a sharp cough with sputum, often with a green or yellow tint. This cough may be accompanied by chest pain, especially when coughing or deep breathing.

Another common symptom of pneumonia is a fever, which can be high. The patient may also feel weak and tired. Confusion may occur in some cases, especially in elderly or immunocompromised patients.

Bronchitis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory process in the bronchi that leads to coughing and stuffy nose. One of the main symptoms of bronchitis is a dry or slightly wet cough that can last for several weeks. Cough may be accompanied by a slight increase in temperature.

Another sign of bronchitis is increased salivation, especially in the morning. Patients with bronchitis may also experience general weakness and fatigue, but it is usually less pronounced than with pneumonia.

In the case of pneumonia, treatment usually includes antibiotics to fight the infection, as well as symptomatic treatment to relieve cough and fever. Bronchitis can be treated in a similar way, but antibiotics are usually not needed because bronchitis is more often caused by viruses.

So, you can distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis by paying attention to such symptoms as the nature of the cough, body temperature and the general condition of the patient. It is important to correctly diagnose these diseases, because they require a different approach to treatment.