If you’ve recently had a bad cold or the flu but have a cough that won’t go away, you may worry that it might be turning into something more serious, like bronchitis or pneumonia. It’s a common concern, and for good reason. Both bronchitis and pneumonia affect the lungs and can cause severe coughing and chest discomfort, among other symptoms. Understanding the differences between them, why one might lead to the other and when to seek medical help can help you take better care of your health.

The Differences Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes — the airways that carry air to your lungs — become inflamed and irritated. This is often caused by a virus and usually occurs after a cold or the flu. The main symptoms are a nagging cough, mucus, chest pressure and sometimes a mild fever. While uncomfortable, bronchitis is often temporary and usually gets better with rest, fluids and time.

Pneumonia is more serious. Instead of just the airways being inflamed, the infection spreads deeper into the lungs, reaching the tiny air sacs where oxygen moves into your blood. These sacs can fill with fluid or pus, making it harder to breathe. Pneumonia often comes with more severe symptoms, like high fever, chills, chest pain and extreme tiredness.

Can Bronchitis Lead to Pneumonia?

Most of the time, bronchitis doesn’t turn into pneumonia. But if your body is run down, you have other health conditions or a bacterial infection takes hold after the initial viral illness, bronchitis may develop into pneumonia. Certain groups of people are more at risk of this happening, including older adults, young children, smokers and those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung problems like asthma or COPD.

Warning Signs to Watch For

So how do you know if your bronchitis might be moving toward pneumonia? Pay attention to your symptoms. If you notice your cough getting worse instead of better, start having trouble breathing, your fever climbs higher, you cough up mucus that looks discolored or bloody, or you have chest pain, chills or confusion, call your doctor right away.

Treating Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Prompt treatment can help lower your risk of complications if you develop either of these conditions. For bronchitis, the main treatment is rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and letting your lungs heal. Over-the-counter medicines may ease coughing or discomfort, but antibiotics usually don’t help because most cases are caused by viruses.

If pneumonia develops, treatment depends on the cause. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics if bacteria are to blame, or other medications if the cause is viral or fungal. In more severe cases, oxygen or hospital care may be needed.

While bronchitis can sometimes turn into pneumonia, it doesn’t happen often. Still, it’s important to listen to your body and know the warning signs. If your cough won’t let up or your symptoms seem to be getting worse, get checked by a doctor. With rest, care and the right treatment, when needed, most people recover fully and breathe easier again.

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