Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Bronchitis and Bronchiectasis?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Bronchitis and Bronchiectasis?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Bronchitis and bronchiectasis are both lung conditions that can cause mucus buildup, coughing, and difficulty breathing. However, they have distinct differences:

Bronchitis:

  • Inflammation of the large and small airways of the lungs.
  • Can be acute (often due to a viral infection) or chronic (a frequent feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
  • Symptoms include coughing, mucus production, and shortness of breath.
  • Bronchitis is a temporary infection that does not cause lasting damage to the airways.

Bronchiectasis:

  • A condition where damage causes the tubes in your lungs (airways) to widen or become flabby and scarred.
  • Permanent widening of the airways makes it hard to clear mucus out of the lungs, making patients more prone to frequent infections.
  • Symptoms include coughing with pus and mucus (which can vary in severity), shortness of breath, and chest pain.
  • Bronchiectasis cannot be cured but can be managed with treatment to help prevent infections and manage symptoms.

In summary, bronchitis is a temporary infection that causes inflammation in the bronchi, while bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the airways are damaged, widened, and have difficulty clearing mucus. Both conditions share similar symptoms, but bronchiectasis is a more severe and persistent condition.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Bronchitis and Bronchiectasis?
  • Comparative Table: Bronchitis vs Bronchiectasis

    • Comparative Table: Bronchitis vs Bronchiectasis

    Here is a table illustrating the differences between bronchitis and bronchiectasis:

    Feature Bronchitis Bronchiectasis
    Definition Bronchitis is an inflammatory disorder of the trachea and bronchial tubes. Bronchiectasis is a disorder in which the bronchi widen and become destroyed due to infection.
    Symptoms Acute bronchitis typically begins with a cough that eventually may produce sputum. Chronic bronchitis develops from long-term inflammation of the bronchi, leading to excess mucus production and respiratory infections. A persistent cough and coughing up pus-filled sputum are symptoms of bronchiectasis. Some patients may also experience difficulty breathing and fever.
    Diagnosis A physical exam and imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, can help diagnose bronchitis. A high-resolution CT scan is necessary for diagnosing bronchiectasis.
    Causes Bronchitis is often caused by a viral infection, such as the flu virus. Environmental factors, such as smoking, air pollution, or exposure to irritants, can also contribute to bronchitis. Bronchiectasis is often caused by recurrent respiratory infections, blockage in the airways, or other underlying medical conditions.
    Treatment Acute bronchitis usually resolves on its own or with the help of medications, such as antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Treatment for bronchiectasis aims to manage symptoms, prevent infections, and improve lung function, often involving airway clearance techniques, medications, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
    Prognosis Bronchitis is typically a transient condition that resolves with treatment. Bronchiectasis is a chronic, irreversible condition where the bronchial tubes become permanently damaged and widened, making it difficult to clear mucus from the lungs.

    Both bronchitis and bronchiectasis involve chronic inflammation of the airways and excess mucus production, but they differ in their causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.