Pneumonia versus Bronchitis-How to Tell the Difference
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the alveoli. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages leading to the alveoli.
More Info: Pneumonia and acute bronchitis are very similar and have many of the same symptoms making it difficult sometimes for even medical professionals to differentiate between the two.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes caused by viruses, bacteria, and chemicals.
Bronchitis can be contracted by the same viruses that cause colds. There are also non-contagious forms of bronchitis that can develop as a result of smoke, pollutants, or even GERD.
With bronchitis, the lining of the bronchial tubes become inflamed causing the secretion of inflammatory fluid.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the alveoli, the lungs air sacs, that is caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. When an invading body enters the lungs, the body's immune system goes on the defensive causing the alveoli to become inflamed and begin to fill with fluid. Once filled with fluid, the alveoli have a tough time performing their task of extracting oxygen from the air causing chest pain or shortness of breath.
Medicinenet.comAcute Bronchitiswww.medicinenet.com
eMedicineHealth.comBacterial Pneumoniawww.emedicinehealth.com
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