Asthma and bronchitis are common inflammatory conditions that affect the airways. Both have similar symptoms and causes, but their treatments are different. It is important to be able to distinguish between them so that you know when to see a doctor and so that a correct diagnosis can be made in order to treat them properly.
Symptoms
Asthma and bronchitis have similar main symptoms, including:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
However, bronchitis has some symptoms that do not occur with asthma, including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Cough with thick mucus
It is important to differentiate between acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. The former refers to a bronchitis that develops from a respiratory infection and goes away within days. The latter is a more serious condition in which the lining of the bronchial tubes is constantly irritated or inflamed, usually as a result of smoking.
Causes
Asthma and bronchitis share common causes. Viruses and environmental factors such as the presence of cigarette smoke or pollution can trigger both conditions. Similarly, allergies are also associated with both conditions, although much more so with asthma than with bronchitis. A link has also been found between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and both asthma and bronchitis.
It should be noted that the causes of asthma are not yet fully understood. Apart from environmental factors, it has been confirmed that there is a genetic factor that creates a disposition to the disease.
Diagnosis
It is best to see a physician to receive a correct diagnosis as it can be dangerous to leave these conditions without proper treatment.
Specialized tests should be done to diagnose either condition. They will primarily look at the condition of the lungs and determine whether a virus is present.
First, your doctor will review your medical and family history. They will also look for environmental factors and habits that may be related to either condition. In addition, they will perform a physical examination of your lungs; they will most likely listen to your lungs with a stethoscope.
Depending on your symptoms and the results of the first examination, you may be referred for one of the following tests:
- Chest X-ray
- Pulmonary function test
- High-resolution CT scan
- Sputum culture (a sample of phlegm to check for infection)
- Allergy test
Also, your doctor may initiate some type of treatment and make the final diagnosis depending on your body’s response. For example, you may be prescribed a bronchodilator and be diagnosed with asthma if, after a while, your symptoms improve.
Can I Have Asthma and Bronchitis at the Same Time?
It is possible for a person to have both conditions at the same time.
If a person with asthma develops bronchitis, their condition may worsen and make symptoms more severe.
There are also cases where severe bronchitis can trigger asthma in a person because it can cause changes in their airways.
Treatment
Acute bronchitis does not require any complex treatment. Generally, your doctor will recommend you rest, stay well hydrated, and manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications. The infection usually goes away within a few days on its own.
Chronic bronchitis and asthma have similar treatments. Since no cure has been found for these conditions, medications are prescribed to control and lessen the symptoms.
Treatments for chronic bronchitis include:
- Mucolytics or cough suppressants
- Bronchodilators to relax the muscles of the lungs and bronchial tubes
- Anticholinergics to prevent tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the chest
There are many ways to treat asthma depending on its cause, including:
- Quick-relief inhalers in case of asthma attacks
- Beta-agonists to help open the airways
- Medicine with long-term effects such as inhaled corticosteroids
- Allergy treatment
In the case of asthma or chronic bronchitis, you may need to make changes in your habits, such as quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, or avoiding exposure to triggering allergens.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent respiratory conditions, including:
- Developing good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands frequently
- Avoiding exposure to cold weather
- Reducing contact with pollen, dust, or pollution
- Quitting smoking
- Keeping up to date with your vaccinations; remember to get a flu shot every year
These respiratory conditions require medical exams and follow-up care. At DFW Family Clinic, we have specialized doctors in acute and chronic disease management to provide you with a treatment that keeps you healthy and gives you a good quality of life. Also, remember that the best way to avoid developing diseases is to attend your annual check-ups, which you will also find in our clinic. Book your appointment for a personalized examination and effective treatment.
