What are Bronchitis and Cold?

Both are caused due to viral infections. However, bronchitis is also caused because of some bacteria. Most of the symptoms are common between cold and bronchitis. However, there are many differences as well. The main difference between common cold and bronchitis relates to the severity of each.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, that carry air to and from the lungs. It is basically of two types; Acute bronchitis and Chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is also known as a chest cold. Acute bronchitis accompanies cough that lasts around 3 weeks. Chronic bronchitis is called as a productive cough that lasts for 3 months or more every year for at least 2 years. Most patients with chronic bronchitis suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bronchitis often develops from the common cold.

What is Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection that occurs in the nose and throat i.e. the upper respiratory tract. It is mostly harmless and people recover from it in a span of 10 days. Children younger than 6 are at a greatest risk of common cold, but even adults also suffer from it 2 to 3 times annually. It sspreads easily and is usually self-treatable.     

Difference between Bronchitis and Cold

Definition of Bronchitis and Cold

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining (large and medium-sized airways) of the bronchial tubes, that transport air to and from the lungs. Bronchitis could be either acute or chronic.

Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, that primarily affects the nose and the throat. It can be caused by many different types of viruses. The medical condition is generally harmless and symptoms usually resolve within 2 weeks.

Diagnostic findings

Bronchitis

Cough and possible phlegm production.

Cold

Runny nose, sneezing, cough, nasal congestion and sore throat.

Symptoms of Bronchitis Vs. Cold

Bronchitis

This condition is more common in people suffering from asthma or emphysema. Fatigue or malaise, coughing up thickened mucus and shortness of breath, coughing spells, slight fever (fever of 100°F to 100.4°F (37.7°C – 38°C)) and chills, chest discomfort, back and muscle ache, production of mucus (sputum), that is usually clear, white, green or yellowish-gray in color — rarely, it can be streaked with blood. Acute bronchitis includes wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when one breathes).

Emergency symptoms include

Unexplained weight loss, acute breathing trouble, acute pain in the chest, a high fever, a cough that lasts longer than 10 days.

Cold

Watery eyes, itchiness, or redness, sinus pressure, low-grade fever, generally feeling unwell (malaise), runny nose, swollen lymph nodes, hoarseness, blocked ears, loss of smell or taste, dry cough, watery nasal secretions, body aches, chills, fatigue, stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing and discomfort in chest.

Causes for Bronchitis Vs. Cold

Bronchitis

Usually, the viruses that cause common cold also cause bronchitis. However, at many occasions, bacteria are to blamed. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Polluted air, mine dust, toxic gases and working around farm animals are some other reasons to cause bronchitis

Cold

Although many types of viruses can result in common cold, rhinoviruses are the major culprit.

Treatment

Bronchitis

Treatments include different vaccinations, quitting smoking as smoking aggravates bronchitis, pulmonary rehabilitation, and often inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Some patients may benefit from long-term oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.

Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers (analgesics), cough expectorants (for e.g., guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine or hydrocodone) or decongestants to treat symptoms. A type of medication known as mucolytics that is used to make phlegm easier to cough up.

Cold

Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), antihistamines, and pain relievers, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug, Analgesic, Methanol, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are common over-the-counter medicines that treat symptoms like fever, body aches, sore throat and headache. Common alternative treatments to treat the common cold are vitamin C, echinacea, zinc, and other herbal treatments.

Site of infection

Bronchitis

In this medical condition, the viral or the bacterial infection occurs in the mucous membrane layer on the interior of the bronchi.

Cold

In common cold, the viruses infect the upper part of the pharynx, enveloping the complete region beginning from the back of the snout and extending to the back of the throat. The viruses cause inflammation of the nasopharyngeal region, resulting in the most common symptom of the common cold – sore throat and an itchy irritation in the mouth and the throat.

Summary of Bronchitis Vs. Cold: Comparison Chart

The points of difference between Bronchitis and Cold have been summarized below:

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