Difference Between Asthma and Bronchitis

Asthma vs. Bronchitis

Asthma and bronchitis are always associated with the respiratory system of the body. They are both disorders that concern the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and other respiratory tract parts. Since the main function affected with these two conditions is the airway of the person, then it is of utmost importance to manage these conditions promptly to avoid further complications from occurring. Both of these diseases involve the bronchial tubes which become restricted due to the inflammation and mucus production that occurs. Though alike, there are several differences that separate the two from each other.

Bronchitis originates from an infection that usually occurs during a cold or a respiratory infection. It can become an enduring disease that can progress through time which is termed as chronic bronchitis. However, it is usually curable. As for asthma, it is classified under the COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, along with emphysema. The origin of asthma is not that clear like bronchitis. Asthma is a permanent disorder. It is believed that there are two types of asthma according to its triggering factors. The intrinsic and extrinsic are the two types of asthma.

Extrinsic asthma is the hypersensitivity reaction of the body during an exposure to allergens and genetic factors. Allergens are substances that cause an attack for asthma patients such as pollens, smoke fumes, dried leaves, and dust particles. Intrinsic asthma is usually an inherited disease. It is an autoimmune disease which specifically means the destruction of several organs including the respiratory tract components by the body’s own immune system. It is triggered by stress, fatigue, and infection.

The bronchitis symptoms involve wheezing, coughing, chest pain, fatigue, mucus production, and fever due to infections. On the other hand, manifestations of asthma are comprised of wheezing, trouble sleeping, breathing difficulties, and chest tightness. The symptoms can vary from one person to another. The manifestations should not be ignored because these are indications that the person needs immediate medical intervention.

Various people have a higher risk for these diseases than others. Smoking can lower the immune system of a person, and it is also a potent bronchoconstrictor because of its component, nicotine. This risk factor is prevalent for bronchitis patients. The chances of having asthma increases if the person having a family history of this disorder are traced. Secondhand smoke, low birth weight, smoking, and being overweight as well increases the risk.

The complications associated with bronchitis are: asthma, chronic bronchitis, and various lung diseases. As this condition progresses, the more fatal it gets. The early management of this condition can prevent further complications and slows down the headway of the disease. For asthma complications, an attack of asthma will possibly constrict the airways which can result in the obstruction of its patency. This condition will give the patient the inability to breathe. It can as well cause enduring damage to the respiratory tract.

The treatment for bronchitis is antibiotics since the main cause of this disease is infection. The patients are also given humidifiers to help them obtain enough oxygen for the body’s needs. Cough medications such as mucolytics to loosen up the secretions and expectorants to be able to expectorate the mucus. Asthma is usually treated with inhalers, humidifiers, and allergy medications to open up the airways.

Summary:

1.Asthma and bronchitis are always associated with the respiratory system of the body.
2.Both of these diseases involve the bronchial tubes; they become restricted due to the inflammation and mucus production that occurs.

3.Bronchitis originates from an infection that usually occurs during a cold or a respiratory infection. The origin of asthma is not that clear like bronchitis. It is believed that there are two types of asthma according to its triggering factors. The intrinsic and extrinsic are the two types of asthma.
4.Bronchitis can become an enduring disease that can progress through time which is termed as chronic bronchitis. However, it is usually curable while asthma is a permanent disorder.

5.The bronchitis symptoms involve wheezing, coughing, chest pain, fatigue, mucus production, and fever due to infections. On the other hand, manifestations of asthma are comprised of wheezing, trouble sleeping, breathing difficulties, and chest tightness.

6.Smoking can lower the immune system of a person, and it is also a potent bronchoconstrictor because of its component, nicotine. This risk factor is prevalent for bronchitis patients. The chances of having asthma increases if the person having a family history of this disorder are traced.

7.The complications associated with bronchitis are: asthma, chronic bronchitis, and various lung diseases. As this condition progresses, the more fatal it gets. For asthma complications, an attack of asthma will possibly constrict the airways which can result in the obstruction of its patency.

8.The treatment for bronchitis is antibiotics since the main cause of this disease is infection. Asthma is usually treated with inhalers, humidifiers, and allergy medications to open up the airways.

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