Know the difference.
Bronchitis (chest cold)
Touch the germs to get started.
Uh oh, now you’re sick.
Bronchitis is typically caused by a virus. It inflames the lung’s large and medium airways (bronchi). Airways swell and fill with mucus. Coughing helps expel mucus from the narrowed airways. Coughing can make your chest sore. Fatigue, aches, a mild fever and a sore throat may develop.
What do you know about pneumonia?
Here are a few tips for you.
Antibiotics are rarely needed. Quitting smoking will lower your risk of bronchitis.
If you don’t feel better in 2-3 weeks, see your doctor.
So...
PNEUMONIA
Touch the germs again to continue.
Pneumonia is a different kind of infection.
Pneumonia doesn't affect the airways. Pneumonia inflames the tiny sacs (alveoli) in part of your lung. Oxygen and carbon dioxide can’t move as easily from the lungs to the bloodstream. More than 30 bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause it. Alveoli swell and fill with fluid. This triggers cough, high fever, chills, rapid breathing and a rapid heart rate. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor.
Stay healthy out there.
Here are a few more tips for you.
Pneumonia is most risky for those who are under age 2 or over age 65, are pregnant or have asthma, heart disease, cancer or diabetes. The right medication can prevent hospitalization and even death. Vaccines protect the very young and very old against some bacterial pneumonia.
Pneumonia needs prompt medical care.
