One of the most common symptoms of a bronchitis infection is a hacking or productive cough. Since a cough is a common symptom associated with many different types of illness, though, it is important to receive a proper diagnosis so you can treat your symptoms.

Bronchitis and pneumonia can both cause similar symptoms in your body, including a cough. Check out our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team’s latest blog all about bronchitis and pneumonia below!

How Does Bronchitis Affect the Body?

Bronchitis can either be acute, which means it is a short-lived infection that appears suddenly, or it can become chronic. Chronic cases usually appear after a history of lung damage from things like smoking or air pollution. Acute cases are caused by some type of infection, which can be either viral or bacterial in nature.

Bronchitis irritates your bronchial tubes, which are in charge of transporting air into and out of your lungs. This irritation is what causes that hacking cough and can often produce a green or yellow mucus that comes up when you cough.

Classic Bronchitis Signs

• Deep cough
• Fatigue
• Chest pressure
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing

Is Bronchitis Similar to Pneumonia?

While they are both infections in your chest area, pneumonia settles into your alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. Your alveoli have the important job of transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide through your blood, so if that process gets disrupted, it can cause trouble breathing or other respiratory issues.

Pneumonia also can be more severe, especially if the infection spreads throughout your lungs or travels to another part of your body. If you are ever not feeling well and start to have difficulty breathing, it is crucial that you visit a medical provider right away for an evaluation. Both infections can be particularly dangerous in vulnerable populations like in young children or older adults, so keep an eye on your symptom progression and rest as much as possible.

Signs You Have Pneumonia

• Deep cough
• Production of mucus
• Body aches or chills
• Shortness of breath
• Clammy skin or sweating

Are you feeling unwell? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road for a quick visit today.