How is severe bronchitis different from pneumonia?

How is bronchitis anatomically different from pneumonia?

The respiratory tract consists of the following organs:

• nose;
• nasopharynx;
• larynx;
• trachea;
• the left and right main bronchi, from which bronchi with smaller and smaller diameters extend in the form of a tree.

The terminal bronchi are called bronchioles. They end in special sacs in which gas exchange occurs - alveoli. Thus, the infection, entering the respiratory tract through the nose, first passes through the bronchi, and then enters the bronchioles and alveoli. Therefore, bronchitis can end in recovery without turning into pneumonia. Pneumonia is considered a consequence of bronchitis. This is important for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases in both adults and children.

Symptoms and treatment of pneumonia and bronchitis

Pneumonia and bronchitis have similar symptoms. Both diseases are very dangerous for humans. Bronchitis - because it can, for example, turn into asthma. Pneumonia – because a person quickly dies if a diagnosis is not made in time and treatment is not started. In order not to put your own or someone else’s life at risk, you need to know the symptoms of diseases.

Consequences of diseases

Cough, runny nose, and fever are characteristic of all respiratory diseases. Therefore, many people are in no hurry to consult a doctor, considering a cold to be a condition that can be passed on on their feet. As a result, it costs some patients their lives. Pneumonia can be successfully treated, but in the later stages it is often impossible to save a person. This is where the main danger lies.

Bronchitis is less likely to lead to death, but if not properly treated it can develop into asthma. And this disease can greatly undermine not only a person’s health, but also worsen the quality of life. A patient with asthma requires regular medication, certain living conditions and a proper diet. The disease can lead to disability in a person. For example, heart failure can be a complication of bronchitis. And this is also unsafe for humans.

Before going to work with a cold again, a person should think about whether the risk he is exposing himself to is comparable to those work issues that he is so afraid of not being resolved on time.

Why should a cough cause concern?

A prolonged, severe cough that turns into coughing fits, difficulty expectorating sputum are the first symptoms of bronchitis.
Bronchitis is an inflammatory process in the bronchi, which help supply the lungs with air and oxygen. If the disease is not treated, it becomes severely chronic and at a certain stage may become incompatible with life. The disease often occurs simultaneously with a cold, may accompany the development of influenza, or result from exposure to allergens and other viruses.

It begins with a dry cough, which intensifies in the evening and at night. As a result, the disease does not allow a person to get enough sleep. Very quickly the cough becomes wet, and at the same time the body temperature may rise slightly. The head begins to hurt severely, a feeling of exhaustion and fatigue appears.

Fever, exhaustion, and fatigue disappear after a few days. But a person continues to suffer from cough for a long time. The patient may cough for several weeks or months. If you have a cough that lasts more than 2 weeks, you should do a finger prick blood test, biochemistry, take a photo of the lung, and be sure to see a pulmonologist. This visit should not be postponed, as it is dangerous for the occurrence of diseases: asthma, lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia.

If the temperature rises to 40°C, the sputum becomes thick and blood appears in it, you should urgently call a doctor.

And if it is impossible to bring down the temperature and it continues to rise, call first aid.

Why does a person die very quickly?

Pneumonia is a very severe inflammation of the lung tissue.
The alveoli and interstitial tissue are affected. Depending on the extent of lung damage, the disease can be focal, segmental, lobar, or total. It can be one-sided or two-sided.

In the first case, only one lung is attacked by the disease, in the second - both lungs. Bacterial, fungal, viral-bacterial pneumonia with or without impaired immunity in humans is often observed.

There are other types of the disease. The disease can develop very quickly. Sometimes, if you are late in prescribing antibacterial treatment, a person dies within 8 hours.

How to distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia?

In order to accurately establish a diagnosis, you need to know the signs that distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis and other colds. The development of the disease can occur in several scenarios.

In a typical scenario for the development of the disease, there is a sharp increase in temperature with the release of a very significant amount of purulent sputum during coughing. A person may experience pain in the bronchi and lungs. The patient often experiences strong trembling and vibration of the voice: as if the person is hoarse, he makes wheezing or whistling sounds, his voice is not heard.

The atypical scenario for the development of the disease is more dangerous. In this case, the disease creeps up unnoticed. This stage is characterized by a dry cough, sore throat, headaches, weakness, and malaise. It is this stage that is often confused with a common cold or bronchitis.

If the slightest signs of pneumonia are detected, the patient must consult a doctor in order to confirm or refute the diagnosis using accurate diagnostic methods. And this is the case when it is always better to play it safe than to arrogantly risk your health and life.

How to accurately diagnose?

Basic and additional diagnostic methods will help to accurately establish the diagnosis. The first include:

1. Pictures of the chest (x-ray).
2. Microscopic examination of sputum (done with Gram stain).
3. Examination of sputum culture for the presence of nutrient media.
4. Blood tests using biochemical and general methods.
5. Studying blood for gas composition.

Additional methods should not be neglected. These include:

1. Computed tomography of the chest.
2. Paracentesis of the pleural cavity.
3. Pleural biopsy.
4. Bronchoscopy with biopsy.
5. Studying blood culture for the presence of a nutrient medium.
6. Blood testing to identify specific antibodies.
7. Lung biopsy.
8. Lung biopsy done after exploratory thoracotomy.
9. Urine examination.

How to recover?

In order to get rid of the disease, antibiotics are chosen taking into account the effectiveness of their effect on the microorganism that caused the disease. For these purposes, drugs that dilate the bronchi and thin the mucus can be used. They are taken orally by the patient or given as injections. For the same purpose, saline solutions, which are given intravenously, and oxygen are used.

Additionally, the patient is recommended to undergo physiotherapeutic procedures using paraffin and ozokerite. Good results in the therapy process are achieved by physical therapy, vibration massage and ultraviolet irradiation.

If the causative agent of the disease is not identified, the patient is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as penicillin, cephalosporin. Macrolides, respiratory fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems are also used. If the drugs have an effect, then already on the third day after using antibiotics, normalization of body temperature is observed. In order to make sure that the course is prescribed correctly, the patient undergoes a chest x-ray and tests are performed.

If the drugs do not help the patient, another type of antibiotic is prescribed.

What preventive measures are used?

Despite the fact that pneumonia is very insidious, you can protect yourself from it. It is necessary to avoid hypothermia, do not allow the cold to become chronic. Special vaccines aimed at preventing pneumococcal infections and Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia should not be abandoned.

Folk remedies will help prevent the development of the disease. For example, lamb fat protects the bronchi and lungs well. It can be bought at any market. The fat is suitable for internal use. It is heated in a frying pan and, when slightly cooled, poured into containers. Add 2 teaspoons to the patient’s boiled milk. Drink while the milk is still warm enough. If you start using this remedy from the first days of treatment, then the cough does not appear, and the cold goes away easier and faster.

It is necessary to remember: timely seeking help from qualified specialists will help diagnose neoplasms in the early stages, which, accordingly, will help save lives. Don't neglect your health.

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Causes

The “trigger” in the development of inflammation of the lungs and bronchi is common colds - acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, rhinitis, sore throat, mainly a viral pathogen. Moreover, on the 3rd – 4th day of a cold, the infection can “descend” into the lower respiratory tract, causing complications in the form of bronchitis or even pneumonia.

All these diseases are infectious, that is, caused by bacteria and viruses. In this case, acute bronchitis most often has a viral origin (influenza virus, parainfluenza, adenovirus). The “origin” of pneumonia is different - it is caused mainly by bacteria (pneumococcus, staphylococcus, streptococcus), although in recent years the number of viral pneumonia has been increasing. Therefore, for pneumonia, antibacterial drugs are always prescribed. But bronchitis can often be cured without the use of antibiotics.

Features of bronchitis

Bronchitis is a complete inflammation of the bronchial tree, occurring in acute or chronic form. Bronchi are 2 small tubes that connect the trachea and lungs.

Important!

Bronchitis turning into pneumonia is a common occurrence, especially in children, since their larynx, trachea and bronchi have a smaller diameter than in adults, sputum does not drain well, and pathogenic microorganisms actively multiply.

Causes

Bronchitis develops against the background of ARVI, influenza, chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis - 3-4 days after the onset of these diseases, the infection descends into the lower respiratory tract.

Acute bronchitis often has a viral origin, the main pathogens are influenza virus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, and antiviral drugs are used in therapy. Less commonly, the disease occurs due to infection with fungi, exposure to allergens and toxic substances on the respiratory system.

Causes of chronic bronchitis:

• living in places with very dusty, polluted air;
• work in hazardous production:
• prolonged inhalation of excessively cold or dry air;
• frequent relapses of respiratory diseases;
• smoking, active or passive.

Bronchitis may worsen due to the appearance of respiratory diseases

The pathology can be simple or obstructive, when, against the background of inflammation, the mucous membrane swells greatly and the bronchi become clogged.

Symptoms of the disease

Bronchitis begins with an increase in temperature to 37.5–38 degrees, which lasts no more than 3 days. The disease is accompanied by a dry, superficial cough, which gradually turns into a wet cough, a lot of sputum is produced, and wheezing can be heard even at a distance. Intoxication is mild, there is no chest pain, but spasms in the throat are bothersome.

In the chronic form, the temperature is normal, the cough is constant, lasts more than 3 months, intensifies after waking up and inhaling frosty air.

In the obstructive form of the disease, the airways are narrowed or blocked, it is difficult for air to pass into the lungs, shortness of breath and broncho-obstructive syndrome appear, which is similar in etiology to asthma. The chronic form of the pathology is a common problem among smokers.

When listening, wheezing is heard over the entire surface of the lungs, they can be heard in front and behind, on both sides of the chest.

With bronchitis, greenish or yellowish-gray sputum is released, sometimes with minor admixtures of blood.

Specific manifestations in children

Due to certain anatomical features, a child is often diagnosed with bronchitis with suspected pneumonia. Some experts immediately prescribe antibiotics, other doctors recommend delaying taking potent drugs for 2-3 days; sometimes such a delay only enhances the effectiveness of antibacterial therapy.

At the age of up to 4 years, an acute form of obstructive bronchitis develops, the respiratory rate increases to 40 or more times per minute, shortness of breath develops, and due to severe coughing attacks, the child may begin vomiting and shortness of breath.

What does an x-ray show?

Radiography is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing diseases of the respiratory system.

X-rays are most often taken to analyze the respiratory organs.

With bronchitis, the contour of the bronchial tree becomes clearer in the image, and an increase in the pulmonary pattern indicates the presence of an inflammatory process.

Manifestations

The symptoms of these diseases are very similar, even in a child. These are fever, cough, shortness of breath, weakness and others. However, their nature and severity may differ. The table shows how to distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia by external signs.

There are also distinctive features that only a doctor can determine. So, when listening to the chest with a phonendoscope, wheezing during bronchitis is heard evenly over the entire surface of the lungs (left and right chest, front and back). Whereas with pneumonia, wheezing is local, over a certain area (for example, on the left under the collarbone or on the right under the scapula). If the doctor performs diagnostic tapping of the lungs (percussion), then dulling of the percussion sound is also observed locally in pneumonia - above the affected area; in bronchitis there are no such changes.

Symptoms of pneumonia

At the initial stage, the symptoms of pneumonia resemble the clinical picture of an acute respiratory infection.
Therefore, most patients simply do not pay attention to it, continuing to be treated with cold powders and other drugs that are ineffective for acute inflammation in the lungs. Any therapist can distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia in a child or adult at the initial stage. A little later, the patient himself can cope with this. After all, the difference in the symptoms of bronchitis and pneumonia in adults and children is more than obvious:

• persistent increase in temperature to 38.50 and above;
• copious discharge of mucous secretion from the beginning of the inflammatory process;
• blood particles are found in the sputum (in particularly difficult cases, hemoptysis is observed);
• painful sensations in the chest area noted when inhaling;
• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath;
• cardiopalmus;
• frequent intermittent breathing;
• headaches, body weakness;
• chills;
• pronounced pallor of the skin;
• decreased appetite;
• Another difference in children is abdominal pain and vomiting caused by the “deep” location of the source of inflammation.

Another difference between bronchitis and pneumonia in adults is its longer duration. Inflammation in the lung tissues progresses rapidly and lasts much longer than 3 weeks . Complications include abscessing (purulent) pneumonia, exudative pleurisy, blood poisoning (septic fever) and respiratory failure. To recognize the disease, the same diagnostic methods are used as for bronchitis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, antibacterial therapy is prescribed.

Bronchitis differs from pneumonia in that the latter is treated exclusively with strong antibiotics. Only by following your doctor's recommendations can you cope with a progressive infection.

Differences on X-ray

But the main and most reliable way to diagnose and distinguish between bronchitis and pneumonia is an x-ray examination.

As we know, acute viral bronchitis spreads throughout the bronchial tree. This is also reflected on the x-ray: the so-called “intensification of the pulmonary pattern” is visible. The bronchial tree seems to be better drawn compared to the norm - these are inflamed bronchi.

Photo of bronchitis.

But a distinctive sign of pneumonia is the darkening of a certain local area with fairly clear boundaries. This can be either a lesion of one or two segments of the lungs (small darkening in area), or entire lobes in the form of 1/3 or even 2/3 of the entire area of ​​the lung in the image.

Pneumonia photo.

Causes of bronchitis and pneumonia

Bronchitis can be infectious and non-infectious, acute and chronic. The most common is viral bronchitis, which develops against the background of ARVI, accounting for about 90% of all cases. In addition, the causative agents of bronchitis can be bacteria (much less often) and fungi (very rarely). Atypical forms of bronchitis can be caused by microorganisms such as chlamydia and mycoplasma. Also, with bronchitis, a secondary bacterial infection may occur. Smoking, the presence of allergic processes, hypothermia, harmful working conditions, unfavorable environmental conditions, frequent diseases of the respiratory tract, and decreased immunity can contribute to the development of bronchitis.

During auscultation, wheezing is usually heard in case of bronchitis; in case of pneumonia, wet and dry rales are detected.

Chronic bronchitis is said to occur when the disease lasts for at least 2 years with total periods of exacerbations of at least three months per year. The chronic form of bronchitis, as a rule, develops with improper treatment of the acute form or in the absence of therapy.

Pneumonia can be a complication of acute respiratory infections or bronchitis, but it can also occur independently. Infectious agents of pneumonia are most often bacteria, less commonly viruses, microscopic fungi, and parasites. In children under 5 years of age, the causative agent of pneumonia is most often Haemophilus influenzae or pneumococcus.

Young children often develop bronchopneumonia, a disease that has signs of both bronchitis and pneumonia.

Features of a child

In a child, manifestations of bronchitis and pneumonia are caused, first of all, by age-related immaturity of the respiratory and immune systems. Therefore, in children, the development of these complications may already occur on the 2nd – 3rd day of a cold. Also, a child with pneumonia develops symptoms of intoxication more quickly - lethargy, weakness, refusal to eat. Therefore, on the 1st - 2nd day of a cold, it is advisable to show the child to a doctor for examination and listening to the lungs, especially with a constant fever above 38 0C. The doctor will accurately determine whether the child has bronchitis or pneumonia. If children maintain a temperature above 38 0C for more than 3 days, the doctor is obliged to add an antibiotic to treatment.

What is bronchitis

The bronchi, which are an integral part of the respiratory system, look like tubes connecting the lungs to the trachea. When inflammatory processes occur in the bronchi, breathing problems are noted, and the patient may experience general weakness of the body. The supply of air to the lungs becomes significantly more difficult, which further aggravates the patient’s condition.

With bronchitis, there is inflammation of the alveoli, that is, the tiny sacs at the edge of the bronchi that are responsible for supplying the blood with oxygen. With the development of inflammatory processes in the lumen of the lungs, a large amount of mucus is released, which is expelled in the form of sputum when coughing. The temperature may rise and last for two to three days. This disease develops rapidly, the mucous membranes become covered with a thick layer of mucus, breathing becomes more difficult, and the patient may develop various complications and pathologies.

Causes

The main cause of bronchial inflammation is various viruses, including influenza, and pathogens of acute respiratory diseases. Often the disease occurs due to prolonged inhalation of substances that irritate the lungs. These include smoke, ammonia, dust, moisture-laden air and various chemicals.

Most often, bronchitis occurs in young children, who, due to the characteristics of the respiratory system, are more susceptible to this disease than adults. The immune system in children is not yet fully formed, so it is difficult for the body to resist viral pathogens and inflammatory processes that can occur in the respiratory system.

Main symptoms of bronchitis

Knowing the symptoms of bronchitis, you can distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia, which will allow you to correctly prescribe treatment and quickly suppress inflammatory processes in the body. The main manifestations of bronchitis include the following: :

• Wheezing when breathing.
• Slight fever and chills.
• The appearance of painful sensations in the chest area.
• Persistent cough with sputum and large amounts of mucus.
• Aches and weakness throughout the body.
• Severe shortness of breath.

Based on the established symptoms and appropriate examination, the doctor can make a diagnosis and select the correct treatment. Patients are usually prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases they are treated with antibiotics, which helps prevent the development of severe, difficult-to-treat pathologies and complications.

Self-medication of bronchitis is not allowed, since only a doctor can determine the difference between diseases. Inflammation can develop into pneumonia and other serious diseases. For example, it is possible to develop tuberculosis against the background of frequent bronchitis.

Treatment

The principles of treatment for bronchitis and pneumonia in children and adults are in many ways similar, but there are also differences. Treatment of bronchitis and mild pneumonia can be carried out at home after doctor's prescriptions. Whereas moderate and severe pneumonia is treated only in the hospital.

During high temperatures, bed rest is recommended, drinking plenty of water up to 3 liters per day in the form of both hot drinks and mineral water with microelements. At temperatures above 38 0C, antipyretic drugs are prescribed. To relieve cough, medications to thin the sputum (mucolytics) are prescribed.

But the main drug in the treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia is antibiotics. There are differences here. If you have bronchitis, you can start treatment without them, since in most cases it is viral. The doctor should prescribe an antibacterial drug for inflammation of the bronchi if it does not get better within 3 to 4 days. But for pneumonia, an antibiotic is prescribed as soon as such a diagnosis is made.

Treatment methods in children

In children, it is especially important to know that pneumonia or bronchitis is developing, how to distinguish them and begin treatment as quickly as possible. The child’s immune system is not sufficiently developed, making it more difficult for it to resist the threat. The infection spreads faster and enters the lungs.

The infection descends from the bronchi into the lungs within a few days, in infants – several hours. If you suspect the development of one of these diseases, it is important to immediately consult a doctor and, even after diagnosis, constantly monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.

Bronchitis is treated in children on an outpatient basis, pneumonia - in a hospital setting. It is important to quickly remove intoxication. For bronchitis, treatment begins symptomatically; it is important to thin the mucus and restore normal bronchial patency. Only if it does not bring results or there is a risk of complications, then antibacterial agents are prescribed.

In case of pneumonia, the condition for quick and successful treatment is the timely administration of a correctly selected antibiotic, followed by correction after receiving test results.