Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesRisk FactorsSymptomsTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Treatment
Bronchiectasis, bronchitis, and pediatric bronchiolitis are all disorders of the airways of the lung. However, they are different conditions.
Bronchiectasisis a permanent condition in which the airways in the lungs have become widened and scarred.The United States has a high prevalence of bronchiectasis compared with countries worldwide.
Bronchitisincludes two types of disorders—acute and chronic bronchitis. Both affect thebronchiand bronchioles (the large and small airways of the lungs).
Pediatricbronchiolitisis inflammation of thebronchioles. It usually affects children under the age of 2. It causes coughing and shortness of breath.
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There can be similarities in the symptoms of all these conditions. However, they are not the same. Some will resolve, and some are permanent. Therefore, the outlooks and treatments are very different. An accurate diagnosis is needed to confirm any lung concerns so that treatment can be tailored appropriately.
This article will compare the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of bronchiectasis, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiolitis.
Bronchiectasis Causes
Bronchiectasis is the result of the walls of the airways being damaged. A number of things can cause this irreversible damage, including:
Chronic Bronchitis Causes
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are collectively known aschronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Most people with COPD have elements of both chronic bronchitis andemphysema, although it varies from person to person.
The leading cause of chronic bronchitis is long-term exposure to breathing in a harmful substance such as cigarette smoke. This causes damage to the airways and the lungs that is irreversible. In the United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause, and COPD affects more than 16 million Americans.
In addition to cigarette smoke, other substances can also cause chronic bronchitis, often from the workplace. These include substances such as coal dust, cadmium dust and fumes, grain and flour dust, silica dust, welding fumes, and isocyanates.
Acute Bronchitis Causes
The most common viral infections that cause acute bronchitis (which tend to cause the common cold or flu) include:
Bacterial infections can also cause acute bronchitis, more commonly in people who have an underlying health problem. These organisms include:
Although the viral or bacterial infection might clear up in seven to 10 days, the cough can last several weeks. Research identifies that in 50% of patients, the cough usually lasts for less than three weeks. In 25% of patients, it lasts for more than one month.
Bronchiolitis Causes
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis. The virus causes the bronchioles to become infected and inflamed. This narrows the airways, reducing the amount of air entering the lungs and therefore making it difficult to breathe.
Although RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, other viruses known to cause the condition include:
Bronchiolitis is most common in children under the age of 2 years, affecting up to 30% of all children under age 2. It is the most common cause of hospital admissions for infants under age 1.
Diagnosis
To diagnose these conditions:
Bronchiectasis Risk Factors
Bronchiectasis can affect anyone at any age. You are at risk if you have a chronic condition that damages the lungs or have a condition that causes multiple lung infections.
Conditions that increase your risk of developing bronchiectasis include cystic fibrosis, ABPA, CVID, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and certain connective tissue disorders.
In adults, it is more commonly seen in women; however, in children, it is more prevalent in boys.
Chronic Bronchitis Risk Factors
The most significant risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis is smoking. Exposure to air pollutants can also play a role. However, this is seen more in developing countries. Occupational exposure to harmful substances, such as through coal mining, is also a risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis.
Another risk factor is genetics. You are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis if you smoke and you have a relative with the condition.
Acute Bronchitis Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing acute bronchitis include:
Some people find that allergens like pollens, perfumes, and vapors can also trigger acute bronchitis.
Bronchiolitis Risk Factors
Risk factors for bronchiolitis include:
Some children who are at high risk of developing severe bronchiolitis may be offered amonoclonal antibodyinjection. Synagis (palivizumab) and Beyfortus (nirsevimab) are monoclonal antibodies that can help protect certain infants and children 24 months and younger who are at high risk of serious complications from RSV during their RSV season.
Synagis and Beyfortus are not vaccines and cannot cure or treat a child diagnosed with RSV. If your child is at very high risk for RSV infection, your pediatrician may discuss these option with you.
Bronchiectasis Symptoms
Although you may have a condition that causes bronchiectasis, the symptoms may not become apparent for months or years after the damage has begun in the lungs.
Symptoms include:
Although symptoms do not develop right away, they do worsen over time. Symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue can significantly affect your quality of life, making activities of daily living difficult.
Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms
As the name suggests, this is a chronic condition, and the symptoms worsen over time. This makes daily activities increasingly difficult, but treatment can help slow the progression. The predominant symptoms of chronic bronchitis are:
Acute Bronchitis Symptoms
Acute bronchitis symptoms oftenbegin similarly to those of a common cold. The illness is short-lived and usually improves over 7 to 10 days, although a cough may persist. The most common symptoms are:
ComplicationsAcute bronchitis is often not a cause for concern, but it may lead to complications such as pneumonia. It can also be confused with other conditions such as asthma.Therefore, it is important to see a medical professional to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Complications
Acute bronchitis is often not a cause for concern, but it may lead to complications such as pneumonia. It can also be confused with other conditions such as asthma.Therefore, it is important to see a medical professional to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Bronchiolitis Symptoms
Bronchiolitis symptoms tend to start like a common cold, with a cough, low-grade fever, and runny nose. However, they then worsen over a few days before reaching the peak and beginning to improve. In most children, bronchiolitis lasts approximately a week to 10 days, and they improve within two to three weeks.
When to Call a DoctorBronchiolitis symptoms can vary from being very mild and manageable at home to acute respiratory failure requiring invasive ventilation.If your child shows signs of having trouble breathing or dehydration, consult your doctor immediately. If severe symptoms arise, such as blue lips or skin or respiratory failure, call 911 immediately.
When to Call a Doctor
Bronchiolitis symptoms can vary from being very mild and manageable at home to acute respiratory failure requiring invasive ventilation.If your child shows signs of having trouble breathing or dehydration, consult your doctor immediately. If severe symptoms arise, such as blue lips or skin or respiratory failure, call 911 immediately.
Bronchiectasis Treatment
The goal of bronchiectasis treatment is to prevent infections and flare-ups where possible. Therefore, there are several different treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help:
Chronic Bronchitis Treatment
There is no cure for chronic bronchitis. However, treatments can help slow the progression.
Treatment options include:
Acute Bronchitis Treatment
Acute bronchitis is usually a viral infection, and therefore antibiotics are not typically effective. In most cases, acute bronchitis will resolve on its own over time. To help speed up the recovery process, the following care tips are advised:
Although antibiotics are not usually effective, your doctor may prescribe them if a bacterial infection is suspected.
Bronchiolitis Treatment
Antibiotics are not effective for bronchiolitis. In mild cases, your child can be cared for at home. To help your child feel comfortable, you can:
If you are concerned about your child or they show any signs of difficulty breathing, then call 911. Your child may be admitted to the hospital if they are not getting enough oxygen, not eating, or become dehydrated. Hospital treatments may include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and feeding support if required.
Summary
Bronchiectasis is a permanent widening and scarring of the airways of the lungs, often due to repeated or severe infections. Bronchitis is inflammation of the large and small airways of the lungs.
A Word From Verywell
Although these are all bronchial disorders, with similar names and similar symptoms, they are very different conditions. Therefore, if you have respiratory problems, it is essential to seek advice from a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis. That way, the treatment can be tailored to your individual needs.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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