Developing a painful, lingering cough can certainly be cause for concern. While both bronchitis and pneumonia are common respiratory illnesses, many of us haven’t actually experienced them before.

If a cough gets bad, it could either be bronchitis or pneumonia, but how are you supposed to know what you’re dealing with? Our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team provides some helpful answers below.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored.

Additionally, there are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. We’ve listed some common bronchitis symptoms below.

Common Bronchitis Symptoms

• Cough
• Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color—rarely, it may be streaked with blood
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Slight fever and chills
• Chest discomfort

What About Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is another infection in the lungs, but instead of the bronchial tubes, it occurs in tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli. It can be mild, but sometimes serious—especially for children ages 2 and below, adults 65 and older and people with weaker immune systems.

When bronchitis is left untreated, it can spread from the bronchial tubes and make its way into the lungs. When it’s treated in a timely manner, though, bronchitis symptoms will usually go away in a couple of weeks. Don’t wait to call your doctor or visit our AFC center if you experience any of the symptoms we’ve listed below.

Reasons to Call Your Doctor

• A cough that won’t go away
• Coughing up pus
• Chest pain
• Fever that stays at 102 F or higher
• Shaking chills
• Shortness of breath as you go about your day
• Trouble breathing
• Inability to keep liquids down

Are you concerned you may be developing pneumonia? If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team today! We’re here for you now and always.