How can you tell the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia? Shortness of breath and fatigue are symptoms of both. But the two illnesses require different treatments and pneumonia can become serious quickly.
The actress, Nicole DeHuff (Meet the Parents), who suffered from asthma, went to two hospitals in four days, complaining of a cold and a breathing problem. On Feb. 15, 2005, she collapsed at her home. She was taken unconscious to a nearby hospital. It turns out she had an aggressive form of pneumonia that led to a staph infection and cardiac arrest. She died on February 16, 2005 at 30 years of age.
Bronchitis vs. Pnemonia:
Bronchitis causes the airways, or branching tubes that bring air into the lungs, to swell and produce mucus. It’s usually caused by a virus, such as R.S.V., rhinovirus or influenza.
Symptoms include coughing, fatigue, wheezing, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and fever. The sputum may be clear, yellow or green.
Bronchitis usually lasts five to seven days, but it can last up to three weeks and still not be bacterial.
As the leading cause of death worldwide, pneumonia is much more serious. Just like bronchitis, symptoms of pneumonia include a cough and fatigue. Sputum may also be clear, yellow or green.
Additionally, pneumonia is more likely to result in a high, persistent fever, shortness of breath, sharp chest pain and chills.
“Pneumonia is more of a (bacterial) infection of the air sacs of one or both lungs. Pneumonia is often caused by bacteria, which means it needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Patients most at risk include those older than 65; those with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and lung issues; and young children. Having previously had influenza is also a risk factor, as the virus can lead to pneumonia.
The only way to confirm pneumonia is with a chest X-ray. Since pneumonia is often bacterial, it is treated with an antibiotic. As a viral infection, bronchitis does not require an antibiotic.
For both bronchitis and pneumonia, treatment includes rest and hydration. Over-the-counter medications, such as cough syrup, decongestants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g. Advil) may help with symptoms. Saline nasal rinses can also help, especially if the patient has upper respiratory symptoms. Getting a flu vaccine can help prevent both bronchitis and pneumonia, as does regularly washing your hands and avoiding cigarette smoking. A pneumonia vaccine may be recommended for at-risk patients.
Always ask your doctor for specific medical advice and seek medical attention with an M.D. if you are not feeling well.
I don’t understand what’s happening at hospitals. Don’t they know how sick people are or do they give them a few pills and tell them they’ll get better? Why are young people dying?
Christian Brando (son of actor Marlon Brando) died of pneumonia on January 26, 2008. He was at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. He went in on January 11. He was 49 years old when he died
Nicole died so young. So beautiful, what a tragedy