The Difference Between Bronchitis & the Flu

Millions of people suffer from bronchitis, leaving them coughing until they can't breathe, while others are laid up for a week or more with the flu. The two ailments have some similarities, but there are differences to be aware of.

Identification

• Bronchitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The flu is a viral infection affecting the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, lungs and bronchial tubes.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of bronchitis are a mucus-producing cough, trouble breathing, chest discomfort, wheezing, fatigue, fever and chills. Symptoms of the flu are high fever, chills, headaches, dry cough, stuffy nose, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.

Causes

• Acute bronchitis is caused by the same type of viruses that spark the common cold. Chronic bronchitis is caused by smoking or breathing environmental pollutants. The flu is caused by inhaling infected germs or by touching an infected object and then transferring the germ to the nose, eyes or mouth.

Treatment

• Bronchitis sufferers should get rest, drink fluids, breathe moist air, and take over-the-counter remedies. Flu sufferers should get rest, drink plenty of fluids, and also take over-the-counter remedies for pain and cough. Some people may also need an antiviral medication.

Complications

• Some people with bronchitis may also develop pneumonia, and people with the flu may develop ear infections, acute sinusitis, bronchitis or pneumonia.