{"id":627348,"date":"2024-03-11T15:45:18","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T19:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627348"},"modified":"2025-10-21T14:12:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T18:12:57","slug":"asthma-vs-bronchitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/asthma-vs-bronchitis\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the difference between asthma and bronchitis?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re coughing, wheezing, and feeling short of breath, but are your symptoms caused by asthma or bronchitis? It can be hard to tell the difference. Both conditions are relatively common. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma affects more than 27 million Americans and is the leading cause of chronic disease in children.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Acute bronchitis is most often caused by colds and other viruses and sends <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about 5%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of adults to their healthcare provider each year, most often during winter months. Chronic bronchitis, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is when a cough lasts more than three months and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affects roughly 10 million people in the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because there is so much overlap between asthma, acute bronchitis, and chronic bronchitis, it may not always be obvious which condition you\u2019re dealing with. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/asthma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a chronic lung condition caused by inflamed airways that make it hard for people to breathe. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/bronchitis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also an inflammatory lung condition that can cause breathing difficulty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how can you tell them apart? Well, asthma is a chronic condition, but bronchitis is usually temporary and will go away on its own. However, there\u2019s much more to know about the similarities and differences between these two conditions. Read on to learn how the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention of asthma and bronchitis compare.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, and shortness of breath. Those symptoms also occur in bronchitis, but bronchitis can also consist of mucus production, and asthma doesn\u2019t, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pulmonologylasvegas.com\/provider\/vikas-sayal-md-fccp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vikas Sayal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, FCCP, the founder of Pulmonology Group in Nevada and Arizona. In other words, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">productive cough (i.e., one that brings up sputum or phlegm) is one of the main ways to tell the difference between asthma and bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"asthma-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic or recurring cough (usually dry and\/or unproductive)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vulnerability to viral respiratory infections and worsening symptoms when sick<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough with wheezing or chest tightness <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/tools-for-the-public\/conditions-library\/asthma\/asthma-and-copd-differences-and-similarities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(usually at night)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"bronchitis-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchitis symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Productive cough with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-phlegm\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mucus or phlegm<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low fever<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"can-you-have-asthma-and-bronchitis-at-the-same-time\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you have asthma and bronchitis at the same time?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can have asthma and bronchitis at the same time. Since bronchitis is usually a viral illness and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9536399\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people with asthma are more susceptible to viral respiratory illnesses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s not uncommon for people with asthma to end up with bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong><span class=\"title\">Asthma vs. bronchitis symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Asthma<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bronchitis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic dry cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest tightness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase in viral infections<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough with mucus production<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest tightness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts still aren\u2019t sure exactly what causes asthma, but they do know some things that are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/asthma\/causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">risk factors for developing asthma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Two of these risk factors\u2014viral illnesses and exposure to cigarette smoke or other irritants and allergens\u2014are also common causes of acute and chronic bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"causes-of-asthma\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes of asthma<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma is your body&#8217;s immune system reacting in a way that causes the bronchial tubes in your lungs to become inflamed and swollen, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brgeneral.org\/provider\/amber-robins-md\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amber Robins<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, MBA, a family and lifestyle medicine physician at Rochester Regional Health. What triggers your immune system to have this response is unknown, though <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gaapp.org\/diseases\/asthma\/is-asthma-genetic\/#:~:text=If%20one%20parent%20has%20asthma,close%20relative%20with%20the%20condition.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">genetics or a family history of asthma is a common cause<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is believed that asthma often <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/asthma\/causes#What-causes-asthma?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">starts in childhood<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when the immune system is maturing, in addition to viral illness, exposure to cigarette smoke or environmental irritants, and allergies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"causes-of-bronchitis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes of bronchitis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition caused by a viral infection, according to Dr. Robins. In contrast, chronic bronchitis (i.e., bronchitis lasting more than three months) may be caused by exposure to cigarette smoke or irritants as well as by other respiratory conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/copd-vs-asthma\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong><span class=\"title\">Asthma vs. bronchitis causes<\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Asthma<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bronchitis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genetics or family history<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viral illness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental factors, like exposure to cigarette smoke or other irritants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viral illness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental factors, like exposure to cigarette smoke or other irritants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other respiratory conditions, like COPD<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our allergies newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Allergies Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"diagnosis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The diagnostic steps for asthma and bronchitis are mostly the same, but one exception is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-procedures-and-tests\/lung-function-tests\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pulmonary function test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This test, performed with a device called a spirometer, measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can exhale it. It may be done when diagnosing either asthma or bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"asthma-diagnosis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma diagnosis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Dr. Sayal, asthma is diagnosed with a physical exam and a combination of different tests. These tests include the pulmonary function test, a bronchoprovocation or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-procedures-and-tests\/methacholine-challenge-test\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methacholine challenge test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to measure lung reactivity or responsiveness, and a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/asthma\/diagnosis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">peak expiratory flow (PEF) test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to assess how much and how quickly you can expel air out of your lungs when exerting maximum force. In some cases, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-disease-lookup\/asthma\/symptoms-diagnosis\/how-is-asthma-diagnosed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergy or blood tests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also be performed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bronchitis-diagnosis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchitis diagnosis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute bronchitis is also diagnosed with a physical exam and review of symptoms, says Dr. Sayal. However, chronic bronchitis may require additional tests, like a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/bronchitis\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20355572\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chest X-ray or sputum culture<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A pulmonary function test may also be performed, but it\u2019s used to rule out other causes of your symptoms (like asthma) rather than to diagnose bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong><span class=\"title\">Asthma vs. bronchitis diagnosis<\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Asthma<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bronchitis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical exam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review of symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary function test<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methacholine challenge test<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peak expiratory flow (PEF) test<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergy and\/or blood tests<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical exam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review of symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary function test<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest X-ray<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sputum or mucus culture<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"treatments\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatments<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though asthma and bronchitis are two different conditions, some of their treatments overlap. Treatment options include a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid. An inhaled bronchodilator <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-use-inhaler\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increases airflow to the lungs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help relax the muscles in the airway. Corticosteroids help decrease inflammation in the lungs caused by both asthma and bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"asthma-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma treatment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of treating asthma is to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/copd-vs-asthma\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decrease the frequency and severity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of symptoms. To do so, Dr. Robins says, most people with asthma benefit from having some type of inhaler to treat their symptoms. He notes that a quick-acting rescue inhaler, such as albuterol\u2014and a daily inhaler like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/symbicort\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symbicort (budesonide\/formoterol)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for ongoing management may be needed. Some other medications used to treat asthma include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/asthma\/treatment-action-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids, biologics, leukotriene modifiers, and inhaled mast cell stabilizers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Staying up to date on immunizations, avoiding irritants, or even receiving regular allergy shots <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/publications\/Immunotherapy-Allergic-Asthma.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may also improve symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for certain people with asthma.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For severe asthma, a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty may be used to shrink specific muscles in the lungs, which, when irritated, makes it hard to breathe during an asthma attack.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bronchitis-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchitis treatment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute bronchitis is usually viral and goes away without prescription medications. Treatment should focus on alleviating symptoms and include over-the-counter cough suppressants, expectorants, pain relievers, and warm liquids. Your provider might prescribe an inhaler to reduce inflammation while your lungs heal. Dr. Sayal notes that some cases of bronchitis may be caused by bacteria, and antibiotics should be prescribed in those cases. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your provider may want to do a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic bronchitis has a different set of treatments than acute bronchitis. In addition to using an inhaler, people with chronic bronchitis can improve their symptoms with some lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking. They may need to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/chronicbronchitis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take corticosteroids and stay up-to-date on vaccines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to avoid illness. Chronic bronchitis may also respond to treatments like oxygen therapy and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/chronicbronchitis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pulmonary rehabilitation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a multifaceted program that helps people with chronic breathing problems receive counseling to improve their diet, exercise, and mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong><span class=\"title\">Asthma vs. bronchitis treatments<\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Asthma<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bronchitis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchodilators<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biologics, leukotriene modifiers, and inhaled mast cell stabilizers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergy shots (immunotherapy)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchial thermoplasty<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchodilators (acute and chronic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC cough medications, expectorants, and pain relievers (acute)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warm liquids (acute)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics in some cases (acute)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids (chronic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking cessation (chronic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxygen therapy (chronic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary rehabilitation (chronic)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"prevention\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prevention<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since experts aren\u2019t sure what causes asthma, says Dr. Robins, it\u2019s not a preventable disease. However, to decrease the risk factors for asthma, it is vital to stay up-to-date on vaccinations for seasonal illnesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is also a good way to prevent acute <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/b\/bronchitis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infectious bronchitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (which is usually a bacterial infection following a viral illness like the flu or COVID-19) and a potential way to limit complications of chronic bronchitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"asthma-prevention\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma prevention<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma usually can\u2019t be prevented because its exact causes are unknown, and some of its risk factors (like genetics and allergies) are unavoidable. However, you can decrease the complications of asthma by being proactive in several ways, says Dr. Robins:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get tested for asthma if you suspect you have it so you can be appropriately treated<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receive regular immunizations for seasonal illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, pneumonia, and influenza; this reduces your risk of serious medical issues due to illness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know your asthma triggers and avoid them (or take allergy medications, if possible)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take your prescribed asthma medications to prevent allergy attacks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, you should ensure you have an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">asthma action plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This written treatment plan should include your medications, information about recognizing changes in your symptoms and treating them accordingly, and guidance on when to call your provider or seek emergency medical care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bronchitis-prevention\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchitis prevention<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchitis can be prevented by getting seasonal vaccinations against the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19. You can also eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing. If you\u2019re sick, get plenty of rest and drink fluids to help avoid a secondary infection caused by bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you smoke, quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/chronicbronchitis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cigarette smoke<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Additionally, if you\u2019re frequently exposed to airborne irritants like dust or fumes, you should also reduce or eliminate your exposure to them.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong><span class=\"title\">How to prevent asthma vs. bronchitis<\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Asthma<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Bronchitis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay up-to-date on seasonal vaccinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take all medications as prescribed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know and avoid your triggers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have an asthma action plan<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay up-to-date on seasonal vaccinations (acute and chronic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and practice good hand hygiene (acute)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid smoking (acute and chronic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid exposure to other airborne irritants like dust or fumes (chronic)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-asthma-is-chronic-but-bronchitis-should-resolve\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Asthma is chronic, but bronchitis should resolve<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma is always a chronic disease, but bronchitis can be either acute or chronic. Most cases of acute bronchitis will go away on their own, though in some cases, your provider might prescribe an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-do-antibiotics-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if they suspect a bacterial infection. Like asthma, chronic bronchitis has no cure, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and pulmonary therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re dealing with asthma or bronchitis, there are a few symptoms that should prompt you to contact your provider, says Dr. Sayal, because they may mean your condition isn\u2019t being appropriately managed or treated. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsening of shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use of bronchodilators more than twice per day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phlegm with blood or pus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phlegm with a foul smell<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsening green or yellow phlegm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase in your need for oxygen therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to know the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/signs-of-respiratory-distress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs of respiratory distress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which might mean you are not getting enough oxygen and need urgent medical attention. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast and\/or labored breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No relief after use of usual medications (i.e., inhalers)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wide, flared nostrils<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inability to talk<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest retractions, or a \u201csucking in\u201d of the ribs during breaths<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bluish lips or fingernails<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re experiencing any of the above symptoms <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or see someone experiencing these symptoms, call 911.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>READ NEXT:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/rib-pain-from-coughing-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What causes rib pain from coughing?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019re coughing, wheezing, and feeling short of breath, but are your symptoms caused by asthma or bronchitis? It can be hard to tell the difference. Both conditions are relatively common. Asthma affects more than 27 million Americans and is the leading cause of chronic disease in children. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by colds [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":626955,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[10965,8905],"coauthors":[8860],"class_list":["post-627348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-asthma","tag-seasonal","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Asthma vs. bronchitis: What\u2019s the difference?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dive into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of two lung conditions. 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