What Causes Respiratory Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis and bronchitis sound similar but these two respiratory conditions are actually very different from one another. In this article, we'll go into the details of each ailment, their symptoms, and treatments.
What is Bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection that occurs in the smallest air passages in the lungs called the bronchioles. It is a common ailment that mainly affects babies and young children. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main culprit behind bronchiolitis, but other viruses can also cause it.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Rapid breathing
- Trouble feeding
- Fever
If you suspect that your child has bronchiolitis, see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment for bronchiolitis mainly involves providing adequate fluids and rest to the affected child. In severe cases, the child may need to be hospitalized for oxygen therapy.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. It can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and lasts for a few days or weeks. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition that is often caused by smoking.
Symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Coughing
- Mucus production
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
If you suspect that you have bronchitis, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for acute bronchitis includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter cough medicines. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, requires lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, along with other medications to relieve symptoms.
Distinguishing Factors
Now that we've covered the symptoms and treatments for both bronchiolitis and bronchitis, let's look at the key differences between the two conditions.
- Bronchiolitis affects the smallest air passages in the lungs, while bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs.
- Bronchiolitis is mainly caused by viruses, while acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but chronic bronchitis is often caused by smoking.
- Bronchiolitis mainly affects babies and young children, while bronchitis can affect anyone.
- The symptoms of bronchiolitis include wheezing, coughing, rapid breathing, trouble feeding, and fever, while the symptoms of bronchitis include coughing, mucus production, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.
- The treatment for bronchiolitis mainly involves providing adequate fluids and rest to the affected child, while the treatment for bronchitis includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter cough medicines for acute bronchitis, and quitting smoking along with other medications to relieve symptoms for chronic bronchitis.
Conclusion
Bronchiolitis and bronchitis are two respiratory ailments that are often confused with each other due to their similar-sounding names. However, as we've covered in this article, the two conditions are very different from each other in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatments. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms associated with either condition, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.