Answer #1

Despite the fact that both bronchitis and Pneumonia are diseases that affect the lower respiratory system causing inflammation, these diseases are different from each other. It is better to take a grasp of how these diseases differ so as to get a better understanding regarding their disease process. To start with, bronchitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi which is responsible for carrying airflow in the trachea going to the lungs while pneumonia is still an inflammatory disease affecting mainly the alveoli of the lungs, a part wherein an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood occurs. Moreover, both diseases differ from the symptoms that they manifest in the human body. Patients with pneumonia manifest high fever which is usually higher than 101 Fahrenheit, cough and chills while those with bronchitis may have slight fever or no fever at all. Oftentimes, the cough brought by pneumonia is accompanied with mucus in the lungs that is blood-tinged, rusty or green in color but in acute bronchitis the first manifestation is dry cough without the production of mucus and may bring up mucus after a few days. When it comes to diagnostic exam, specifically chest x-ray, the result in bronchitis often appears normal while in pneumonia may show infiltrates or white areas in the lungs as an indication of infection. It may also reveal complications, such as pleural effusions and abscesses. Since pneumonia is a severe lung infection, a person suffering from it may need to be hospitalized so as to be given strong antibiotics or antiviral and breathing instruments for lack of oxygen supply and the spread of infection can lead to death. As for bronchitis, hospitalization may not be needed. Patients can be given an antibiotic and must avoid irritants. Its symptoms usually last only for 2-3 weeks. Always seek medical attention once you start to manifest certain symptoms to be able to get proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Answered By: khristine [216 ]