Bronchitis or a Cold: How to Tell the Difference and When to See a Doctor

Coughing, a scratchy throat and weakness are almost always put down to a cold. But sometimes the inflammation moves lower and affects the bronchi — then the illness drags on and the cough torments you for weeks. Let’s look at how to tell that you have bronchitis, and when you need a doctor.

Bronchitis or a Cold: How to Tell Them Apart by Symptoms

A cold, or acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), affects the nose, pharynx and larynx. Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi that most often develops as a continuation of a viral infection. The main differences in symptoms are shown in the table.

How to Tell Bronchitis Is Starting

Bronchitis usually begins with an ordinary cold. The runny nose and sore throat are already receding, but instead of relief you get a dry, hacking cough, a burning sensation behind the breastbone, weakness and a worn-out feeling. These are the main signs of bronchitis: inflammation causes the mucous membrane to swell, the bronchi narrow, and the body tries to get rid of the irritant by coughing.

Indirect signs include a hoarse voice, shortness of breath when climbing stairs, and wheezing. When the bronchi hurt, patients describe a dragging pain in the center of the chest on deep inhalation. Causes include viruses, chilling, smoking and polluted air.

What a Bronchitis Cough Is Like

In the first days the cough is dry, frequent, without phlegm, and often agonizing at night. After 3–5 days it becomes wet: clear, white or yellowish phlegm starts to come up. The color of the phlegm does not determine the cause of the illness: yellow or greenish mucus does not mean you need antibiotics. Pay attention to other things: wheezing can be heard when you cough, and coughing fits are accompanied by pain.

How to Tell Bronchitis from Pneumonia and an Ordinary Cough

An ordinary cough during a cold is caused by mucus draining down the back of the throat and goes away along with the runny nose. With bronchitis the cough lasts longer and is stronger, while the temperature is low. Pneumonia looks different: temperature above 38.5 °C, chills, marked weakness, shortness of breath at rest, chest pain on one side. It is hard to distinguish them without an examination: the doctor listens to the lungs and, if necessary, orders an X-ray.

Viral or Bacterial Bronchitis: How to Determine the Cause

In the overwhelming majority of cases, acute bronchitis is caused by viruses — influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, RS virus. Bacterial bronchitis is less common and more often occurs against a background of weakened immunity or chronic lung diseases. A bacterial cause may be indicated by:

• repeated worsening after a brief improvement;
• temperature above 38.5 °C for more than 3 days;
• a large amount of purulent phlegm together with worsening well-being.

The cause cannot be determined precisely from symptoms alone. The doctor relies on an examination, a blood test and inflammation markers. You should not take antibiotics on your own: with viral bronchitis they do not help, while the side effects and bacterial resistance remain.

How Bronchitis Is Diagnosed in Adults

The diagnosis is made by a doctor on the basis of complaints and an examination. The doctor assesses your breathing by listening: with bronchitis, dry or wet rales are heard that change after coughing. In addition, the following may be prescribed:

• a complete blood count and CRP — to assess the severity of inflammation;
• a chest X-ray — to rule out pneumonia;
• a sputum test in case of a prolonged course.

If the cough does not go away for more than 3–4 weeks and the cause remains unclear, the doctor may suggest a bronchoscopy — examining the bronchi from the inside makes it possible to rule out other causes.

When to See a Pulmonologist in Dnipro if You Suspect Bronchitis

A consultation is necessary if:

• the cough lasts more than 2–3 weeks;
• your temperature rises or shortness of breath appears;
• blood has appeared in the phlegm;
• you have chronic diseases: bronchial asthma, COPD, heart failure;
• bronchitis occurs several times a year — this may be how chronic bronchitis shows itself.

Pulmonology in Dnipro at the Helyos medical center includes an examination, selection of tests and a treatment plan. You can book a consultation with a pulmonologist. The doctor will issue a sick note for work based on the results of the examination.

How to Tell Bronchitis Is Going Away, and How Not to Miss Complications

Signs of recovery are that the temperature returns to normal, the cough becomes less frequent, the phlegm thins out and breathing becomes easier. How long does bronchitis last? The acute form usually clears up in 10–14 days, but a residual cough can last up to 3 weeks.

You should be alerted by a renewed rise in temperature, increased shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up blood. In these cases, do not wait: the doctor will rule out pneumonia and the transition of bronchitis into a chronic form.