Asthma vs Bronchitis
Asthma and Bronchitis are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Asthma and Bronchitis
Asthma: A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually viral, causing a productive cough that can last several weeks.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Asthma and Bronchitis.
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Productive cough
A cough that produces phlegm or mucus....
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
Symptoms of each condition
Asthma
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Nighttime Cough
A cough that is worse at night, which can be caused by asthma, reflux, postnasal drip, or heart failure....
Productive cough
A cough that produces phlegm or mucus....
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
Bronchitis
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Low-grade fever
Mild fever that does not exceed 38.5 degrees centigrade....
Productive cough
A cough that produces phlegm or mucus....
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
How Asthma may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Asthma.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Measures total IgE and can help evaluate allergic conditions....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Asthma and Bronchitis?
Asthma and Bronchitis are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Asthma: A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually viral, causing a productive cough that can last several weeks. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Asthma and Bronchitis be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Chest Tightness, Cough, Productive cough, Wheezing, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Asthma and Bronchitis investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as Allergy Testing, CBC with Differential, Immunoglobulin E (IgE). Test selection is a clinical decision.