Bronchiolitis vs Bronchitis - How to Differentiate between Them?

Although they are phonetically similar, bronchiolitis and bronchitis are two distinct kinds of lung infections that strike children and adults. Here's a closer look at their differences.

Bronchiolitis vs. Bronchitis: The Difference

Bronchiolitis occurs when the bronchioles — the small, tube-like airways — become inflamed and swollen. It mostly affects young children, especially infants and toddlers under age 2, and causes breathing difficulty worse than a common cold. Bronchitis, by contrast, is inflammation of the larger, medium-to-large airways (the trachea) that causes a cough, and it mostly affects older children and adults; it can be acute or chronic.

Symptoms of Bronchiolitis

• Dry cough
• Wheezing
• Feeding difficulties in infants
• Fever
• Stuffy or runny nose

Symptoms of Bronchitis

• Productive cough
• Excess mucus
• Breathing difficulties
• Slight fever
• Chills or shivering
• Fatigue
• Chest tightness

Causes

Both conditions are usually caused by a virus, though the specific viruses differ. Bronchiolitis is most often caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) or the common cold virus, and occasionally by bacteria. Bronchitis is usually caused by the same germs that cause the common cold or flu, or by smoking or exposure to lung irritants.

Diagnosis

A pulmonologist is best positioned to tell the two apart. For suspected bronchiolitis, a chest X-ray — and sometimes mucus or blood tests — may be ordered. For bronchitis, a chest X-ray may be used to rule out pneumonia.

Treatment

• Bronchiolitis — elevating a child's head while sleeping, increasing fluid intake, and, if hospitalized, oxygen and IV fluids.
• Bronchitis — antibiotics if the cause is bacterial; otherwise symptomatic relief with cough syrup, steroids to reduce inflammation, inhalers to open the airways, and breathing exercises for chronic bronchitis.

Conclusion

Both conditions can start mild and become more severe if left untreated. Since their symptoms overlap, a professional diagnosis is important — contact Pulmonary Medical Consultants at (281) 357-1300 or visit the clinic.