Asthma vs Bronchitis

Asthma and bronchitis are both airway inflammatory conditions. Although

they are similar in many ways, they are different diseases with different
treatments.

Causes of asthma vs bronchitis

 Viral infections are the most common cause of acute bronchitis.

Cigarette smoking, chemical fumes , air pollution, dust is the main
cause of chronic bronchitis. 
The causes of asthma are not well understood. Cigarette smoke can play a
role in asthma for some people. However, there are many other factors,
including genetics, early life exposures, and contact with allergens, irritants,
and viruses.-+ymptoms of asthma vs bronchitis

Both asthma and bronchitis can cause these symptoms:

 wheezing, or a whistling sound when you breathe

 shortness of breath

 coughing

 tightness in the chest

Cough is the main symptom of bronchitis and is also a typical asthma
symptom. In fact, acute bronchitis and asthma are the first and second
most common causes of cough, respectively. Unlike a cold or pneumonia,
acute bronchitis does not usually cause a runny and stuffy nose or fever.

However, cough can be the only asthma symptom for some people.

Manifestation: In acute bronchitis, the cough, chest tightness, and

wheezing usually last for a few days to a few weeks until the infection clears
up. Chronic bronchitis symptoms continue long-term.
Symptoms of asthma come and go. Some people may have asthma that’s
triggered by certain events, such as exercise, allergies, or even your
workplace.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will then listen to your lungs through a stethoscope. You may
have one or more of these tests, which check for both asthma and
bronchitis:

 Spirometry: You blow into a device that shows how well your lungs
are working.

 Chest x-ray: This scan uses small amounts of radiation to create a

picture of your lungs. A chest x-ray can look for growths in your lungs
that might be causing your symptoms.

 Sputum tests: The doctor will take a sample of the mucus you cough
up from your lungs. The sputum is tested for bacteria to find out if
you have an infection.

Allergies are often the cause of asthma. You may need to see an allergist
for blood and skin tests

Treatment

Acute bronchitis usually isn’t treated with antibiotics, because it’s often
caused by a virus. Antibiotics only kill bacteria. Your doctor will recommend
that you rest, drink lots of fluids, and take pain relievers to ease your
symptoms.

Chronic bronchitis and asthma have similar treatments. The goal with both
conditions is to open up your airways and help you breathe easier.

The same medicines may be used to treat both asthma and bronchitis.
If allergies trigger your asthma or bronchitis, you may need allergy shots.
These medicines help your immune system get used to the substance so
you no longer have a reaction.

Prevention

To prevent asthma and chronic bronchitis, avoid your triggers.

 If you smoke, ask your doctor for methods like nicotine

replacement and medicine to help you quit. Stopping smoking is
one of the best ways to prevent the lung damage that causes
bronchitis.
 Stay away from pollen, dust, pollution, or chemicals that can
irritate your lungs. When you have to be around these
substances, wear a mask or ventilator.
 Keep up-to-date on all your vaccines. Flu and pneumonia
vaccines are especially important for protecting your lungs.
 Get regular checkups to make sure you stay as healthy as
possible.
 If you have asthma, follow the treatment plan your doctor
recommends.