Difference Between Upper Respiratory Infection and Bronchitis

Upper respiratory infection (URI) and bronchitis are two common respiratory illnesses that affect millions of people worldwide each year. Although these two conditions share some similarities, they are distinct from one another in terms of their causes, symptoms, and treatment. In this essay, we will explore the key differences between URI and bronchitis.

What is Upper Respiratory Infection?

The infections of the upper respiratory tract are mild infectious diseases that occur with upper respiratory tract inflammation. The upper respiratory tract includes the following structures: nose, pharynx, tonsils, sinuses, and larynx. They direct the inspired air to the trachea and lungs.

The disease process can affect any part of the upper respiratory tract, and the symptoms vary. Symptoms generally include a runny nose or excessive nasal discharge, tearing eyes (conjunctivitis), sore throat, breathing difficulties, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, sneezing, cough, pain in the body, etc.

Depending on the affected part of the upper respiratory tract the infections are −

• Laryngitis – inflammation of the larynx;

• Rhinitis – inflammation of the nasal cavity;

• Sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses;

• Nasopharyngitis – inflammation of the nasal cavity, pharynx, and hypopharynx;

• Pharyngitis – inflammation of the pharynx, etc.

A major etiological factor in the upper respiratory tract infections are the viruses. The role of bacteria and mycoplasms is less significant. Bacteria rarely cause primary illness. More often they cause secondary complications of viral infections. Bacteria are the major etiological agent of the complications of upper respiratory tract infections.

Infectious agents fall into the upper respiratory tract by aerogenic route. Once the virus overcomes the local protection, it penetrates the cells of the mucous membrane and damages or destroys them. The mucosa becomes hyperemic, swollen, its glands are secreting heavily. This determines the clinical manifestations and creates conditions for the bacterial invasion that underlies the complications.

Typically, the upper respiratory tract infections are transmitted by air-droplets, and the most affected are people with a weak immune system, and those visiting kindergartens, schools, hospitals. These infections are more typical for the autumn-winter season.

Upper respiratory infections are mostly treated for the relief of symptoms. The treatment can include the use of expectorants, cough suppressants, zinc, and vitamin C to shorten the duration and reduce the symptoms. Nasal decongestants are used to improve breathing. If the cause is bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucosa of the bronchi – the large airways connecting the trachea and lungs. The inflammation leads to swelling and thickening that narrows the airways in the lungs. This causes disturbance of the air flow through the bronchial tree and breathing difficulties, severe cough accompanied by thick mucus and air deficiency. The inflamed mucous membrane is red, swollen, covered with exudate.

Bronchitis may be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis heals for a relatively short time – from a few days to a few weeks, but left untreated or due to external factors such as smoking, it can become chronic (symptoms persist or recur frequently).

Bronchitis is a relatively common disease, especially in children. In most cases, acute bronchitis is due to a viral infection, but the cause may also be a bacterial infection. Acute bronchitis causes a dry cough with bronchial secretion. In case the overall health status of the patient is good, the bronchial mucosa will recover completely after eliminating the primary infection.

Chronic bronchitis is a serious long-term illness that often requires regular medication. The primary reason for the occurrence of chronic bronchitis is smoking. Other causes of chronic bronchitis include air pollution, occupational dangers, climatic factors, chronic sinus infection, allergies, etc.

The treatment of bronchitis may include cough suppressants, bronchodilators, sleeping near a humidifier, pain relievers. If the cause is bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Differences: Upper Respiratory Infection and Bronchitis

One of the main differences between URI and bronchitis is the location of the infection. URI affects the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. In contrast, bronchitis affects the lower respiratory tract, which includes the bronchial tubes and lungs. As a result, bronchitis is usually associated with more severe symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Another difference between URI and bronchitis is the duration of the illness. URI typically lasts for a few days to a week and resolves on its own without medical treatment. Bronchitis, on the other hand, can last for several weeks and may require medical intervention to resolve.

The treatment of URI and bronchitis also differs. URI can be managed with over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants. Rest, fluids, and humidifiers can also help relieve symptoms. Bronchitis may require antibiotics if the cause of the infection is bacterial. In addition, bronchodilators and corticosteroids may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

The following table highlights the major differences between Upper Respiratory Infection and Bronchitis −

Characteristics	Upper Respiratory Infection	Bronchitis
Definition	The infections of the upper respiratory tract are mild infectious diseases that occur with upper respiratory tract inflammation.	Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucosa of the bronchi.
Affected structures	The upper respiratory tract includes the following structures: nose, pharynx, tonsils, sinuses, and larynx.	The bronchitis affects the bronchi – the large airways connecting the trachea and the lungs.
Symptoms	The symptoms of upper respiratory infection generally include a runny nose or excessive nasal discharge, tearing eyes (conjunctivitis), sore throat, breathing difficulties, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, sneezing, cough, pain in the body, etc.	The symptoms of bronchitis include breathing difficulties, severe cough accompanied by thick mucus and air deficiency, etc.
Types	Depending on the affected part of the upper respiratory tract the infections are laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, laryngotracheitis, etc.	Depending on the duration, bronchitis may be acute or chronic.
Etiology	The major etiological factor in the upper respiratory tract infections are the viruses. The role of bacteria and mycoplasms is less significant.	In most cases, acute bronchitis is due to a viral infection, but the cause may also be a bacterial infection.The primary reason for the occurrence of chronic bronchitis is smoking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, URI and bronchitis are two respiratory illnesses that share some similarities but are distinct from one another in terms of their causes, symptoms, and treatment. URI is an infection of the upper respiratory tract, typically caused by viruses, and lasts for a few days to a week. Bronchitis, on the other hand, is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, typically caused by viruses or bacteria, and can last for several weeks.

While URI can be managed with over-the-counter medications and rest, bronchitis may require medical treatment, including antibiotics and bronchodilators. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have bronchitis or any other respiratory illness, to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment.