What are bronchitis and pneumonia?
Bronchitis is an illness in which inflammation occurs in the tubes (bronchi) that carry air from the back of the throat to the lungs. Most often it is caused by the same virus as the common cold, which is followed by coughing and phlegm. The cough may persist for a while after the fever has subsided.
Pneumonia is an illness in which inflammation occurs around the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, mycoplasmas, etc. In addition to fever, cough, and phlegm, you may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and a strong sense of fatigue. In older adults, the symptoms may not be noticeable, such as fever and cough, or they may be just a change in appetite and lack of energy.
Since it was thought to be a cold, it may also be pneumonia, and symptoms alone are sometimes difficult to distinguish.
In such cases, seek medical attention.
- The fever didn't go down; the fever that had gone down once has gone up again.
- Coughing and phlegm persist; the color of the phlegm has become darker.
- I have trouble breathing when I move, and my chest hurts when I cough.
- People who are older, or have underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, etc., and who are not as energetic or have less appetite than usual.
In the following cases, immediate emergency medical care is required:
- Even when I keep it quiet, I still have trouble breathing; it’s so hard to talk that I can’t even catch my breath.
- The lips and complexion are purple-colored.
- Awareness is vague, and the response to the call is sluggish.
- The moisture cannot be absorbed and it feels tight and dry.
Tests performed at our clinic
We will examine the patient's symptoms, any pre-existing conditions, and any illnesses that are prevalent in the community, and will perform measurements of body temperature and oxygen saturation, as well as chest auscultation.
When suspected of pneumonia, chest X-rays and blood tests are performed as necessary to confirm the condition of the lungs and the degree of inflammation.
A sputum test may also be performed.
medical treatment
Antibiotics are not effective for bronchitis caused by viruses. While using medications to relieve cough, phlegm, and fever, waiting for recovery with rest and fluids is the core of treatment. When bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be used.
For pneumonia, we choose antibiotics based on the pathogen that is thought to be responsible. In mild cases, treatment may involve taking oral medication while visiting the doctor regularly. In cases of severe shortness of breath or when you are unable to eat or drink, we will recommend a medical facility that can admit you. Our affiliated medical facilities include:About Partner HospitalsPlease visit the page for the "What is a cookie?" section.
Vaccination with the pneumococcal vaccine
At our clinic, we provide the pneumococcal vaccine. The cost and how to make an appointment are as follows:ImmunizationPlease visit the page for the "What is a cookie?" section.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia?
A. Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways, which are the passageways of air; pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs deep within the body. Pneumonia is more likely to be serious and may require chest X-ray to help diagnose it.
Q. Can I have antibiotics?
A. Most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses; antibiotics do not work against viruses. They are used when bacterial infection is suspected or in cases of pneumonia.
Q. The fever has subsided, but the cough continues.
A. After bronchitis, the cough may persist for a while. If the cough only lasts for a while, it may be due to a hidden condition such as cough asthma.Prolonged coughPlease also see the page for "The New York Times."