Acute bronchitis and
pneumonia share many of the same symptoms, and some
people with acute bronchitis are at risk for getting pneumonia. Although
acute bronchitis usually goes away within a few weeks, pneumonia can be a
serious condition, especially in older adults.
The following table
outlines some differences between acute bronchitis and pneumonia. There are
variations in symptoms of both conditions, so if you think you might have
pneumonia, always check with your doctor.
Symptoms of acute bronchitis and pneumonia| Symptom | Acute bronchitis | Pneumonia |
|---|
Cough | - Dry cough at first (does not produce
mucus)
- After a few days, cough may bring up mucus from the lungs.
The mucus may be clear, yellow, or green, and may be tinged with blood.
| - Cough often brings up mucus from the
lungs.
- Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with blood.
|
Fever | - Fever is not present or is mild.
| - Fever is often higher than
101°F (38.5°C).
|
Other | - X-rays appear
normal.
- Usually goes away in 2 to 3 weeks
| - Heart rate faster than 100 beats a
minute
- Breathing faster than 24 breaths a minute
-
Shaking, "teeth-chattering" chills
- X-rays do not appear
normal.
- May last longer than 2 to 3 weeks
|
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology |
|---|
| Last Revised | July 10, 2012 |
|---|