Difference Between Bronchitis and Bronchiectasis

In this article, we will discuss the difference between Bronchitis and Bronchiectasis. Bronchitis is an inflammatory disorder of the trachea and bronchial tubes. Bronchiectasis is a disorder in which the bronchi dilate and become destroyed due to infection.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a disease that occurs in which the respiratory tract, trachea (windpipe) and bronchi are in a state of inflammation.

Bronchitis usually starts with a cough that can eventually produce phlegm. There is often pain in the chest and a feeling of tightness and dyspnea is common. The respiratory tract is often very congested. In addition, the condition usually lasts for more than a week and it may even take up to 21 days for a person to fully recover.

A doctor can diagnose bronchitis in a person by performing a physical examination and noting the symptoms. Listening to the chest and taking a chest X-ray may be helpful in ruling out other possible causes of chest problems. Most often this condition is the result of viral infections especially those associated with influenza types A and B, and rhinoviruses.

There are other viruses that can cause bronchitis, including parainfluenza and coronavirus. Environmental factors such as smoking can cause bronchitis as can cystic fibrosis disease.

Having certain types of illnesses such as influenza or cystic fibrosis is a risk factor for getting bronchitis as is being a smoker. Generally, this condition is treated symptomatically with painkillers and bronchodilator drugs such as albuterol that help with it. Acute bronchitis can eventually lead to pneumonia if left untreated.

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the larger bronchial tubes in the lungs expand and are eventually destroyed.

Having a cough that won’t go away and coughing up phlegm is also a symptom of bronchiectasis. Some patients may also have difficulty breathing and develop a fever.

A physical examination in conjunction with a CT scan can be helpful in diagnosing bronchiectasis in a patient. It is important that the scan is performed at a high resolution to detect the condition. This condition can occur in one or more places in the lungs or throughout the lungs. It can be caused by allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, cystic fibrosis, and problems with cilia and connective tissue disease. In some cases of focal bronchiectasis, the cause is suspected to be pneumonia.

Certain chronic infections including cystic fibrosis and HIV infection are risk factors for the development of this condition. The allergic condition bronchopulmonary aspergillosus is also a risk factor for the development of bronchiectasis. Antibiotics may be prescribed and bronchodilators may also be reduced by helping clear the airways.

Anti-inflammatory agents can also help with inflammation of the bronchi. Untreated bronchiectasis can lead to death, especially in developing countries where medical care is limited.

Difference Between Bronchitis and Bronchiectasis

Definition: Bronchitis is a disorder in which the trachea and bronchi become inflamed. Bronchiectasis is a disorder in which the bronchi in the lungs widen and become crushed.

Permanent changes: Bronchitis disorders never lead to permanent changes in the shape or structure of the bronchi. Bronchiectasis disorders often cause permanent changes in the shape or structure of the bronchi.

Symptom: The earliest symptom of bronchitis is usually a cough, which may or may not produce phlegm. The chest also hurts and feels tight and there is difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Bronchiectasis often has symptoms of dyspnea, chronic cough, and the production of pus-filled phlegm.

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of bronchitis is usually by a physical examination and a chest X-ray. The diagnosis of bronchiectasis is made by looking at a high-resolution CT scan of the chest.

Reason: Bronchitis can be caused by smoking and from viral infections such as those caused by influenza A or B, parainfluenza or coronavirus. Bronchiectasis can be caused by bacterial infections such as pneumonia, and chronic infections such as cystic fibrosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosus, and HIV.

Risk factors: Smoking, colds, various viruses, and cystic fibrosis are risk factors for developing bronchitis. Having cystic fibrosis, HIV, or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosus are risk factors for developing bronchiectasis.

Treatment: Treatment options for bronchitis include pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and albuterol to help with breathing difficulties. The treatment options for bronchiectasis are the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and bronchodilators.