If your lung tests significantly improve after you use the medication, this is an indication that obstruction has resolved and you may be diagnosed with asthma. If airway obstruction persists after you use the medication, it could indicate that you have chronic bronchitis.
Diagnosis using PFTs can be complicated and diagnostic confusion sometimes occurs. When it's hard to determine if someone has asthma, bronchitis, or both, additional testing—such as computed tomography CT of the chest and lung volumes with diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide may be able to differentiate the two, as well as a history of allergies or a childhood history of respiratory issues which suggests asthma. Pulmonary function tests, which may significantly improve after being given a bronchodilator medication.
Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve on their own. Acute bronchitis treatment generally focuses on symptom relief. Your healthcare provider may recommend some of the following medications and remedies if you have acute bronchitis:.
If your acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria, you'll be prescribed antibiotics. Prompt treatment of bacterial bronchitis is important as it may help lower the risk of an asthma attack while you are recovering. The overall treatment plan for asthma depends on asthma severity and symptom triggers, but the most commonly prescribed medications include:. A rescue inhaler may be all that's needed for the treatment of mild intermittent asthma or exercise-induced asthma that only happens during physical activity.
Additional medications or multi-faceted environmental interventions, such as mold remediation or pest control, may also be recommended if asthma is triggered by allergens. Your healthcare provider will also help you develop an asthma action plan for recognizing asthma triggers and knowing what steps to take based on symptoms. If you have asthma and bronchitis, diligently adhering to recommendations for one condition can impact your experience with the other.
Seek medical care if you experience any of the following:. In general, when asthma is well controlled and you are not experiencing symptoms, your lung function will return to near normal. If you have chronic bronchitis, your lung function will not return to normal because the lungs have been damaged.
Some of the same medications used for asthma are also helpful for chronic bronchitis, so make sure that your healthcare provider is always aware of all medications you are taking so that you aren't doubling up. Treatments for chronic bronchitis include:. Smoking cessation medications, such as prescription Chantix varenicline or OTC nicotine replacement therapy, may help you quit smoking.
They don't directly treat your asthma or bronchitis but can help you quit so that smoking isn't triggering symptoms and lung damage. If you're experiencing a chronic cough or shortness of breath, it's important to contact your healthcare provider who can help evaluate whether it might be asthma, bronchitis, or something else.
If you've already been diagnosed with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or both, stick to your treatment plan and notify your healthcare provider if you experience any changes or worsening of symptoms.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Outcomes of childhood asthma and wheezy bronchitis. A year cohort study. Pathology of asthma. Front Microbiol. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The most effective treatment for bronchitis is rest and fluids.
Aspirin or another over-the-counter agent can be used to reduce a fever. However, if symptoms continue to worsen and do not clear within two to three weeks, it may be time to visit the doctor. Bronchitis coupled with a fever exceeding could indicate signs of pneumonia or the flu, both of which require medical attention.
Pneumonia occurs when an infection causes air sacs in the lungs to become inflamed and filled with fluid. Symptoms of pneumonia include a cough with phlegm, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, as well as chest pain. Pneumonia requires immediate medical attention to be diagnosed and treated. If not treated, the infection can be life threatening to infants, children, and adults over the age of If you feel that your symptoms are getting worse and you experience difficulty breathing, call and do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.
An antibiotic is used to treat most forms of pneumonia while other forms can be prevented with a vaccine. Once treated, the infection generally clears in one to three days. By Editorial Team March 4, Share to Facebook Share to Twitter email print page Bookmark for later. Causes of asthma vs bronchitis Viral infections are the most common cause of acute bronchitis. Airway obstruction in bronchitis Asthma and chronic bronchitis are both obstructive lung diseases.
Treatment Treatment for acute bronchitis is very different from chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and gets better on its own.
Chronic bronchitis The treatment for chronic bronchitis depends on how severe it is. The types of medications typically used for chronic bronchitis are: 6 Anticholinergics: Prevent the muscles around the large airways from tightening 7 Beta-agonists: Relax the muscles that surround the airways, helping the airways to open up Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation Phosphodiesterase inhibitor: Decreases swelling in the lungs 8 Theophylline: Relaxes the airways and allows them to open up Treating asthma vs bronchitis Inhaled corticosteroids and beta-agonists are the mainstays of asthma treatment.
Cure for bronchitis Acute bronchitis usually clears up on its own. Sign up for emails from Asthma. Comments 1 comments. Article Asthma and Autoimmunity Reactions 0 reactions. Comments 0 comments. View references caret icon. Sign up for emails Subscribe. By taking a comprehensive approach, our Board Certified specialists can help patients identify and diagnose the underlying problem and take the necessary steps to treat it. We also take the time to educate them about the differences between these two conditions.
Although the symptoms associated with each condition are similar, these distinct differences — including recurrent episodes that occur with asthma — can help you better understand what you may be dealing with.
Remember, diagnoses should only be made when consulting with a physician, which is why it is important to seek an evaluation, especially if symptoms become serious. Patients who have pre-existing asthma and then develop bronchitis should also seek medical treatment, as it can make asthma much worse.
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