In this article, we will be looking at some of the most important bronchitis and pneumonia symptoms, so that you can be watchful and alert and visit the doctor at the right time. This is one of the best ways to you can protect yourself and others from a lot of damage.

Overview of bronchitis and pneumonia
Bronchitis and pneumonia are acute forms of cold or flu that we experience. Bronchitis is a condition in which your bronchial tubes (air passages) that carry air to the lungs are infected and get swollen. Bronchitis can be of two types. Acute bronchitis lasts for a few weeks and goes away on its own. Chronic bronchitis is more serious and mostly develops in smokers. It is a long-term condition and can’t be entirely cured. Its treatment includes medicines that open airways and helps clear away mucus.

Pneumonia, on the other hand, is yet another lung infection. However, in this ailment, the air sacs in the lungs called alveoli are inflamed. The intensity of pneumonia varies according to the overall and general condition of the person. It can be deadly for people with a weaker immune system or babies or aged people.

Bronchitis and pneumonia symptoms
There can be acute chest congestion. This happens when your chest feels abnormally full or even clogged at times.

• Coughing is one of the main bronchitis or pneumonia symptoms. At the time of coughing, you may cough up mucus. The color of this mucus varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. It could be clear or white, or even yellow, green or spotted with blood.
• You find it difficult to breathe. Being short of breath is one of major bronchitis or pneumonia symptoms.
• You could sense a whistling or wheezing kind of noise when breathing. It is a major bronchitis or pneumonia symptom, and you will notice that this noise often gets worse when the person is sleeping at night.
• There could also be other symptoms which are similar to those of flu. The patient could have chills, body ache, and a feeling of being wiped out. A runny nose and a sore throat could also be important bronchitis or pneumonia symptoms.
• A feeling of nausea or vomiting could be bronchitis or pneumonia symptom. However, this symptom does not frequently occur when the person is suffering from bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Often people, above the age of 65, feel utterly confused when they are undergoing this particular condition.
• You might also experience very heavy sweating when you have an attack of bronchitis or pneumonia. Clammy and damp skin could be one of major bronchitis or pneumonia symptoms.
• A severe chest pain in which you have sharp stabbing sensation in your bosom could also be another serious bronchitis or pneumonia symptom. The pain could get worse when you have a fit of cough or when you are climbing stairs. To relieve this, you must get ample fresh air and take a quick sip of water.

In the case of walking pneumonia, often the symptoms are not all that severe. In fact, the person is also not all that affected. The person can move around and have a normal life. Often the problem emerges and subsides within a week or two. This is not all that severe. In case you leave it untreated, bronchitis caused due to bacteria could turn into pneumonia. In such a situation, often the person’s situation degrades from bad to worse. Clogging in the chest is later accompanied by high temperature with chills. This is when you must take adequate care and must visit the doctor. Further ignorance can lead to serious respiratory problems.

A cough that persists even after your fever is cured could indicate bronchitis or pneumonia. A long-drawn cough could be one of the major bronchitis or pneumonia symptoms and must be given attention immediately. It is difficult for a layperson to differentiate between the symptoms of both the diseases. If you are experiencing any of these, make sure to visit your doctor. Bronchitis and pneumonia are health conditions that do not affect everyone in the same way. It has been noted that aging people or young children who have weaker immune systems could be worse affected by the situation. Hence, more precautions must be taken.

Even in the context of healthy people, bronchitis and pneumonia must be treated with good care and concern. Proper medication, precautionary measures, and the right kind of diet could be the best ways through which the ailments could be cured. Any prolonged neglect can lead to life-threatening situations.