Bronchitis vs Asthma: The Clear Differences
Bronchitis and Asthma are two Obstructive Lung Diseases (OLD) that affect the lungs. Both conditions inflame the airways, making breathing difficult for an individual and experiencing shortness of breath-like symptoms. But what are the differences between them? And how can an individual distinguish between them if they have similar symptoms?
This comprehensive article will deeply discuss the important differences between Bronchitis vs. Asthma depending on their dissimilar symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. The article will also explore the important considerations to remember while experiencing these lung diseases. So, let’s learn in detail.
Overview of Bronchitis vs Asthma
The comprehensive overview below shows the key differences between Asthma and Bronchitis.
| Aspects | Bronchitis | Asthma |
| The condition | Characterized by inflammation of the bronchi lining | The airways become inflamed and narrower |
| Prevalence | Accounts for around 5% of the US population | Over 27 million people in the US have Asthma |
| Severity | Ranks among the top 10 most common outpatient diseases in the US | Severe Asthma attack can be life-threatening |
| Affects | It affects the lower respiratory tract, such as the bronchi | The airways |
| Duration of the condition | Acute Bronchitis resolves in 1-3 weeks. But chronic Bronchitis cannot go away but can be managed | Chronic and cannot be treated completely |
| Common signs | Respiratory discomfort, coughing, sputum production, and chest tightening | Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightening |
| Dissimilar symptoms | Low fever, chills, body aches | Fatigue, trouble sleeping, Anxiety, itchy throat |
| Causes | When the airways leading to the lungs get inflamed and filled with mucus | Environmental and genetic factors |
| Risk factors | A history of smoking, living in polluted places, and history of Asthma | Family history of Asthma, being overweight, smoking, exposure to pollution |
| Common triggers | Viral infections, such as common cold, Adenovirus, and Rhinovirus | Pollen, dust, smoke, fumes, emotions like stress and laughter |
| Diagnosis | Nasal swab, chest X-ray, blood tests | PFT, imaging tests, sputum eosinophils |
What is Bronchitis vs Asthma?
Bronchitis is a respiratory disease primarily affecting the lower respiratory tract or airways leading to the lungs. In this condition, the airways become inflamed and filled with mucus. Bronchitis is among the top 10 diseases affecting the US population and is recognized to affect around 5% of people.
There are two types of Bronchitis:
- Acute Bronchitis: When people talk about this condition, they generally refer to acute Bronchitis. Viral infections cause it and can resolve within a few weeks
- Chronic Bronchitis: It can be defined as a chronic cough persisting for over three months within two years. It is mainly caused by smoking, either actively or passive inhalation
In contrast, Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways narrow, causing trouble breathing, wheezing, and chest tightening-like symptoms. In children, Asthma predominantly affects males until age 20. The reason can be atopy (a genetic tendency to develop allergic disease due to allergens) or because males have a reduced size of airways compared to females.
There are four levels or stages of Asthma based on the severity of the condition:
- Mild intermittent Asthma (symptoms appear fewer than two times a week)
- Mild persistent Asthma (symptoms more than two times a week)
- Moderate persistent Asthma (symptoms appear every day)
- Severe persistent Asthma (symptoms remain constant)
Although Asthma can not be cured, it can be managed with effective treatment strategies.
Bronchitis vs Asthma symptoms
Bronchitis and Asthma can have overlapping symptoms that make these conditions difficult to distinguish. The following are similar symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightening
- Cough
However, certain symptoms are only present in individuals with Bronchitis and not in Asthma. These symptoms can play a key role in differentiating between Asthma and Bronchitis. The following are the symptoms of Bronchitis:
- Headache
- Chill
- Low fever
- Body aches
- Cough with white, yellow, or green mucus
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Uneasy feeling
Furthermore, certain Asthma symptoms can be only seen in individuals with Asthma and are as follows:
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping due to breathing discomfort
- Itchy throat
- Fatigue
Certain situations can also flare up the Asthma symptoms, including:
- Exercise-induced Asthma: It is triggered during hard physical activity or exercise. It can also get worse with cold and dry air, pollen, and pollution exposure
- Allergy-induced Asthma: It is also called Allergy Asthma and is triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander
- Occupational Asthma: The symptoms can worsen in the presence of chemicals, dust, or gases
Causes of Bronchitis vs Asthma
A virus generally causes Acute Bronchitis, typically the same viruses responsible for the common cold and flu. However, it can also be caused due to bacteria. Some major infectious and noninfectious causes of Bronchitis are as follows:
- Viruses: Viruses that cause Bronchitis include Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, and Influenza
- Bacteria: The bacteria responsible for causing Bronchitis include Chlamydia Pneumonia, Mycoplasma Pneumonia, and Bordetella Pertussis
Some risk factors that can also contribute to the development of Bronchitis are as follows:
- Cigarette smoking
- Air pollution
- Dust particles
- Toxic gases
- Chemical fumes
In contrast to Bronchitis, the exact cause of Asthma is unknown. However, genetic and environmental factors are considered the main causes of Asthma.
Also read: To get a complete insight into the role of genetic factors in Asthma, read ‘Is Asthma Genetic? How Genetic Factors Can Influence Your Risk’ and learn in detail.
Other potential risk factors can also trigger Asthma in people. Here’s a list of the potential triggers that should be avoided to prevent sudden Asthma attacks:
- Pollens
- Smoke and fumes
- A strong odor of soap and perfumes
- Dust mites
- Family history
- Obesity
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Chemical fumes
- Cold and flu
- Sinus infections
- Hard physical activity
- Strong emotions like laughter, stress
- Cold or dry air
Who is at greater risk?
Some individuals are at elevated risk of developing Bronchitis and Asthma. The conditions can be developed due to their medical history, lifestyle, or occupation, such as people who:
- Have autoimmune disorders
- Smoke cigarettes
- Have a compromised immune system
- Work in exposure to chemicals, smoke, or fumes
- Have GERD or acid reflux
- Have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other breathing conditions
Furthermore, individuals who have Asthma can develop Bronchitis and vice versa.
Also Read: Learn how Asthma is different from COPD by reading ‘What is the Difference Between Asthma and COPD? A Detailed Comparision.’
Can you have Asthma and Bronchitis at the same time?
Yes, Asthma and Bronchitis can affect an individual at the same time. The condition is termed Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis. It happens because Asthma can make one susceptible to Bronchitis. Bronchitis can happen even if you don’t have Asthma. However, Asthma can increase your risk of developing Bronchitis. Furthermore, Bronchitis can worsen the Asthma symptoms in an individual.
A 2023 report showed that children with Childhood Acute Bronchitis (CABs) are at higher risk of developing Asthma. The link between Asthma, Bronchitis, and Bronchiolitis might be bidirectional.
Diagnosis of Bronchitis vs Asthma
The diagnosis of Asthma and Bronchitis is initiated by learning about the medical history, lifestyle, and physical examination of an individual. A few additional tests can also be performed to examine the conditions of an individual.
The following tests are done to diagnose Bronchitis:
- Nasal swab
- Blood tests
- Chest X-rays
- Sputum test
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
Furthermore, the following are the Asthma tests that should be done promptly to examine the health of your lungs:
- Pulmonary Function Tests
- Imaging tests
- Allergy testing
- Methacholine tests
- Sputum eosinophils
- Nitric Oxide tests
- Tests for Exercise-induced Asthma
Treatment of Bronchitis vs Asthma
Acute Bronchitis usually clears up on its own within a few weeks. However, if it persists, consult your healthcare practitioner promptly and take the following treatment for faster recovery:
- Antiviral medications, including Relenza and Tamiflu
- Bronchodilators to clear the airways
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
- Prescribed cough medicine to suppress coughing
- Anti-inflammatory medicines like Corticosteroids
Furthermore, some prescribed Asthma medication to alleviate symptoms of Asthma are as follows:
- Bronchodilators
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Combination inhalers
- Biologic therapy
Certain lifestyle changes can also help manage Asthma symptoms, such as quitting smoking and avoiding environmental triggers, can also help manage asthma. Further, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare practitioner and check your condition.
Conclusion
Bronchitis and Asthma are two major respiratory diseases that affect the airways and cause trouble breathing. However, there are key differences between them. Bronchitis shows symptoms like chills and fever that are completely absent in Asthma. Furthermore, Bronchitis is caused by viruses, whereas the causes of Asthma are still unknown.
Diagnosing both conditions begins with an individual’s personal and medical history but ends with different tests and examinations. Similarly, both conditions can be managed differently. Bronchitis can clear independently, whereas Asthma requires prompt medical treatment with Bronchodilators. Further, Antibiotics and Antiviral therapy are limited to Bronchitis treatment only.
Bronchitis and Asthma can also develop together in an individual, and this is called Asthmatic Bronchitis. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner to closely examine your condition with diagnostic tests and prescribed medications to ensure a faster recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis?
Chronic Bronchitis is a cough that persists for over three months in two years. However, Asthma persists for several years. Chronic Bronchitis is mainly caused by smoking, either actively or passively. The exact cause of Asthma is unknown, but it can worsen with smoking.
Are acute Bronchitis and Asthma the same?
No, Bronchitis and Asthma are not the same. Acute Bronchitis can clear on its own within 1-3 weeks, whereas Asthma is an incurable chronic disease. Viruses cause Bronchitis, but the exact cause of Asthma is unknown. However, it is supposed to be caused by environmental and genetic factors.
Which is more dangerous, Asthma or Bronchitis?
It is difficult to determine which is more dangerous, Asthma or Bronchitis. Bronchitis ranks among the top 10 most common outpatient diseases in the US based on prevalence and severity. Asthma affects around 27 million US population. Both conditions cause shortness of breath and chest tightness.
How do you know if you have Asthma or Bronchitis?
Some symptoms are only present in Bronchitis and absent in Asthma. These symptoms include chills, low fever, head and body aches, fatigue, and sore throat. Bronchitis can clear within a few weeks, but not Asthma. Either way, you should consult a healthcare practitioner and seek treatment.
Can Bronchitis turn into Asthma?
Yes, Bronchitis can turn into Asthma, and people can also have both at the same time. This condition is called Asthmatic Bronchitis. Bronchitis can happen even if you don’t have Asthma. However, Asthma can increase your risk of developing Bronchitis.
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