In cases in which bronchitis is indeed bacterial, prompt treatment with antibiotics may reduce the risk of the infection progressing to pneumonia. While often very effective against the bacteria they target, antibiotics do not always prevent pneumonia pneumonia may occur due to a different type of bacteria that does not respond to the antibiotic chosen.
Unfortunately, taking an antibiotic for a viral infection will not prevent the development of bacterial pneumonia. Instead, the pneumonia may simply be resistant to the antibiotic used. Resting, sleeping when necessary, and getting adequate fluids is very important. Keep in mind that resting may help your body heal more quickly so that your immune system can better fight off other viruses and bacteria, such as those that may cause secondary pneumonia. Certainly, infection prevention measures are important to lower the chance you will spread your infection to others.
These include:. Pneumococcus is the most common cause of pneumonia in adults and children more than 5 years old, and it can often be prevented with vaccination. While the vaccines PCV13 and PPSV23, which have different indications are not recommended for healthy people between the ages of 18 and 64, they may decrease the risk that bronchitis will turn into pneumonia, at least pneumococcal pneumonia, for a number of people.
The pneumonia vaccine is indicated for:. Some people are more at risk than others to develop pneumonia as a complication of bronchitis. Those who have the greatest risk are often those who have a combination of these risk factors, or those who are unaware that they have bronchitis and do not receive appropriate treatment. Many of the symptoms of bronchitis and pneumonia are similar, but there are some key differences outlined below. Certainly, it's important to contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns at all.
Our bodies are fairly good at telling us when something is wrong, and if you just don't feel right, by all means call. But it's also important to contact your practitioner if:. It's especially important to see your healthcare provider and have a chest X-ray if you are feeling short of breath, have an elevated respiratory rate, or an elevated heart rate.
In adults, very important signs that suggest bronchitis has progressed to pneumonia include:. Bronchitis is an infection that can sometimes progress to pneumonia.
The positive thing is that while this can be frightening, there are things you can do to both reduce your risk as well as make sure you are diagnosed if it happens. Perhaps more important than understanding these conditions, and when to worry, is being your own advocate. You know your body. If something seems wrong, or you feel like something bad could happen, talk to your healthcare provider.
Our bodies do a remarkably good job of letting us know when we should be concerned if we'll only listen. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Nowicki J, Murray MT. Bronchitis and pneumonia. In: Textbook of Natural Medicine. Elsevier; Kinkade S, Long NA. Acute Bronchitis. Am Fam Physician. Mandell LA.
Read on to learn more about the differences in symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and how to treat both conditions. Acute bronchitis , the infectious form of which affects most people with the disease, is only very rarely fatal. Chronic bronchitis, however, can slowly destroy lung function and may become life threatening.
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air from the trachea, or windpipe, into and through the lungs. Chronic bronchitis causes ongoing inflammation of the airways. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. The symptoms of bronchitis are similar, regardless of which type causes the disease.
However, chronic bronchitis does not go away, although symptoms can wax and wane. Viral and bacterial bronchitis typically last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some symptoms include:. Learn more about the symptoms of bronchitis here. Since most cases of acute bronchitis are viral, they will not respond to antibiotics. A humidifier can also ease coughing at night. When a bacterial infection causes bronchitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is not curable.
However, a number of interventions can help a person breathe more easily. Some doctors might recommend inhalers, oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation therapy, or other medications to help reduce inflammation in the airways. Both acute and chronic bronchitis are more common in people who smoke. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of bronchitis and prevent further damage to the airways. Read about some home remedies for bronchitis here.
Chronic bronchitis can lead to serious complications, including death from heart or lung damage. Acute bronchitis does not usually cause serious complications. However, in a person with a weak immune system, it may lead to other infections, including pneumonia and sepsis. Chronic lower respiratory diseases, including bronchitis, claimed , lives in the United States in Pneumonia is a very serious health condition and can be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
In , there were 49, deaths from pneumonia in the U. People with chronic medical conditions may repeatedly get pneumonia. Many people develop pneumonia after a viral infection. It is also possible to get pneumonia after bronchitis. Reviewed: January 23, Medically Reviewed.
If you see any of these symptoms, call your doctor; they may be an indication that your bronchitis has turned into pneumonia: 5,9,11 High fever higher than Avoiding using housecleaning products until you recover Avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days Avoiding cold air, which, like certain chemicals, can be irritating to your airway passages Using a humidifier. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Cough Culprits. NIH News in Health. May Acute Bronchitis. January 7, Chronic Bronchitis.
American Lung Association. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Pneumonia Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors. October 15, Bronchitis: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic.
April 11, March 13, Pneumonia: Symptoms and Causes. April 3, March 8, Acute Bronchitis: Overview.
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