Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia
A persistent cough, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing can make it hard to determine whether you’re dealing with bronchitis or pneumonia. While both are lower respiratory infections affecting the lungs, they differ in causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Understanding these differences can help you take the right steps toward recovery and know when to seek medical attention.
What’s The Difference Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia?
Bronchitis and pneumonia both affect the lungs but target different areas and vary in severity:
- Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs, become inflamed. It is most often caused by viruses, though bacterial infections can also occur. Many cases of bronchitis stem from the same viruses responsible for the common cold or flu. While it can cause persistent coughing and discomfort, bronchitis is typically mild and resolves with rest and symptom management.
- Pneumonia is a more serious infection that affects the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. This leads to difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, and fatigue. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi and often requires medical treatment, particularly for young children, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms indicate bronchitis or pneumonia, visit Midwest Express Clinic for a prompt evaluation. Our urgent care providers can diagnose your condition quickly and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Common Symptoms & Treatment Recommendations
While bronchitis and pneumonia share some symptoms, pneumonia is usually more severe and may require urgent medical attention. Bronchitis symptoms often improve within a few days, but the cough can linger for weeks. Pneumonia symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the cause and the individual’s overall health.
Bronchitis Symptoms:
- Persistent cough producing mucus (clear, white, yellow, or green)
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
Bronchitis Treatment:
- Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to help loosen mucus.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and discomfort.
- A humidifier can help relieve congestion and breathing difficulties.
- In some cases, a provider may prescribe cough suppressants or an inhaler to ease wheezing.
Need relief from bronchitis symptoms? Midwest Express Clinic offers walk-in care to help you feel better faster.
Pneumonia Symptoms:
- Persistent cough that may produce green, yellow, or bloody mucus
- High fever and chills
- Shortness of breath, even while resting
- Sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Confusion (especially in older adults)
Pneumonia Treatment:
- Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, which should be taken as prescribed.
- Viral pneumonia requires at-home care, including rest, hydration, and symptom management.
- Fungal pneumonia may require antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Severe cases may require hospitalization for oxygen therapy and IV fluids.
Severe pneumonia can quickly worsen. If you’re struggling with symptoms, visit Midwest Express Clinic today for expert evaluation and treatment.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Medical Attention
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of bronchitis or pneumonia, early detection is key to a quicker recovery. At Midwest Express Clinic, our expert urgent care providers offer on-site chest X-rays to accurately diagnose bronchitis or pneumonia. For bronchitis symptoms, additional tests—such as a sputum culture (to check for bacterial infections) or a pulmonary function test (to detect asthma or emphysema)—may be conducted to ensure the most effective treatment plan.
Treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. While bronchitis often improves with at-home care, pneumonia may require prescription medication or, in severe cases, hospitalization.
Seek medical care if you experience:
- Symptoms lasting more than three weeks
- A high fever (over 102°F) or chills
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- A weakened immune system or underlying health conditions that increase the risk of complications
Not sure if you need urgent care? Visit Midwest Express Clinic for a thorough evaluation. Our providers are available 7 days a week to help you get the right treatment quickly.
Get Expert Care at Midwest Express Clinic
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bronchitis, pneumonia, or another upper respiratory infection, Midwest Express Clinic is here to help. Our experienced urgent care providers deliver fast, accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans to help you recover as quickly as possible.
With 50+ convenient locations open daily, high-quality care is always within reach. Don’t wait—visit your nearest Midwest Express Clinic today or find a location near you at midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
