Each disease is unique in either symptoms, treatment options or body part affected. Some diseases ar...

1. Bronchitis Vs. Flu
Each disease is unique in either symptoms, treatment options or body part affected. Some diseases
are actually complications of another disorder, if it is allowed to worsen. Confusion between
symptoms is a common problem for doctors and patients alike. Take the case of bronchitis and
influenza. Both include coughing, soreness in the throat and a runny nose among their symptoms,
even though they affect different body areas. A misdiagnosis of any disease is not good, especially
with influenza being highly contagious. In this article, we take an in-depth look into bronchitis vs flu
comparison.
Bronchitis
The bronchi are airways or tubes, that allow for the passage of air from and into the lungs. When
they become swollen or inflamed, then bronchitis is said to have occurred. You can develop acute
bronchitis, which is a short-term condition or chronic bronchitis, which counts as a life-threatening
lung disease. Acute bronchitis is normally a viral infection. In rare cases, bacteria are the cause of
the bronchitis. When a person is sick with influenza or common cold, then his condition could
worsen, and spread to his lungs in the form of bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a more serious and
life-long condition of the lungs. Prolonged irritation of the delicate tissue in the bronchi can cause
permanent harm to this area, resulting in long-term effects like thick mucus and a deep cough.
Smoking is the predominant cause for chronic bronchitis.
Influenza
The symptoms of influenza and the common cold are similar, however the two diseases are not the
same, with different effects on the body. It is caused by viruses made up of RNA (Ribonucleic acid),
as opposed to the rhinoviruses and coronaviruses of the common cold. Influenza is not meant to be
taken lightly. Its virus form and family can cause serious harm, in a short infection period. It kills
between 3,300 - 50,000 people per year. Flu is extremely contagious in nature, as the viruses adapt
and evolve into new strains on infection. The best example of this adaptation is swine flu, where the
virus family combined from 3 different species (human, bird and pig), to create a deadly influenza
strain. The range of contagion is anyone within 6 feet can pick up the flu from an infected person.
This characteristic of influenza can cause epidemics and on a world-wide scale, cause a pandemic.
To sum up the difference between bronchitis and flu, here is a tabular comparison of the basic facts:
Name Feature
Flu
Bronchitis
Body Areas Affected
Nose, throat and
lungs
Lungs

2. Chemical Make-up
RNA viruses
Viruses and bacteria
Who Is At Risk
Elderly, infants, pregnant women, kidney, heart or lung disease victims
Infants, seniors and smokers
Types
Influenza Type A, B, C
Chronic and acute
Duration
7-10 days
Acute - 1 week to a month, Chronic - 2-3 months in a year
Complications
Pneumonia, brain infection, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections
Pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension
SymptomsBronchitis
Flu
Wheezing
Fever accompanied by chills and tremors
Shortness of breath
Body aches and pains
Slight or mild fever
Runny blocked nose with headaches
Deep repeated cough, with mucus and phlegm
Feeling tired and weak
Weakness and fatigue

3. Coughing and sneezing
Sore throat
Watery eyes
Slight pain in the chest area
Vomiting, diarrhea (common child symptom)
Blocked nose
Sore throat
Pain in throat
Sweating
Diagnosis and Treatment
Using a stethoscope, the breathing pattern of an individual is observed. If abnormal sounds occur
while breathing, a doctor may suggest a chest x-ray and lung function tests to provide a deeper
analysis. Sputum sample analysis is used to detect infection signs and confirm if the bronchitis is
viral or bacterial in nature. If the infecting agent is bacteria, then antibiotics are prescribed. To help
ease bronchitis symptoms, doctors can advise the use of cough suppressants and medications for
nose congestion and mucus.
With influenza, initial tests are similar to bronchitis, such as a chest X-ray and sputum sample
analysis. But additional testing must be done of the blood and a more thorough physical
examination, as flu effects are felt throughout the body. A highly accurate and effective way to
confirm influenza, is to conduct an antigen detection test. This test involves swabbing the back of
the nose or throat, to obtain a tissue sample, which is then tested for presence of DNA viruses. This
disease needs to run its course to heal. For the very sick or people at risk of complications, antiviral
drugs are prescribed to ease the symptoms. This is necessary, as if ignored and if you fall in the risk
category, influenza can be fatal. Antivirals are also administered to reduce the risk of infection, for
both the infected and those around him/her, who could get infected.
Prevention is better than cure and this motto is especially true for influenza. Clean and hygienic
environment and personal habits are the most important steps in preventing the flu. To reduce the
infection risk even further, vaccination for children and adults is recommended. Bronchitis in the
acute form is not dangerous and needs to run its course. To prevent chronic bronchitis, avoid
smoking and air pollutants. In the matter of flu vs bronchitis, one aspect is clear - keep clean and at
the first sign of trouble, visit a doctor.
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