Bronchiectasis, bronchitis, and pediatric bronchiolitis are all disorders of the airways of the lung.
However, they are different conditions.
Bronchitisincludes two types of disordersacute and chronic bronchitis.
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Both affect thebronchiand bronchioles (the large and small airways of the lungs).
Acute bronchitis is due to a viral infection, comes on suddenly, and resolves after approximately 10 days.
Chronic bronchitis is a severe and progressive lung disease that predominantly affects adults over the age of 40.
Pediatricbronchiolitisis inflammation of thebronchioles.
It usually affects children under the age of 2.
It causes coughing and shortness of breath.
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There can be similarities in the symptoms of all these conditions.
However, they are not the same.
Some will resolve, and some are permanent.
Therefore, the outlooks and treatments are very different.
An accurate diagnosis is needed to confirm any lung concerns so that treatment can be tailored appropriately.
Causes
Bronchiectasis Causes
Bronchiectasis is the result of the walls of the airways being damaged.
Most people with COPD have elements of both chronic bronchitis andemphysema, although it varies from person to person.
The leading cause of chronic bronchitis is long-term exposure to breathing in a harmful substance such as cigarette smoke.
This causes damage to the airways and the lungs that is irreversible.
In addition to cigarette smoke, other substances can also cause chronic bronchitis, often from the workplace.
The cells that line the bronchi become infected and/or inflamed, which lasts approximately 10 days.
Research identifies that in 50% of patients, the cough usually lasts for less than three weeks.
In 25% of patients, it lasts for more than one month.
Bronchiolitis Causes
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis.
The virus causes the bronchioles to become infected and inflamed.
It is the most common cause of hospital admissions for infants under age 1.
Chronic Bronchitis Risk Factors
The most significant risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis is smoking.
Exposure to air pollutants can also play a role.
However, this is seen more in developing countries.
Another risk factor is genetics.
You are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis if you smoke and you have a relative with the condition.
Synagis and Beyfortus are not vaccines and cannot cure or treat a child diagnosed with RSV.
Symptoms include:
Although symptoms do not develop right away, they do worsen over time.
This makes daily activities increasingly difficult, but treatment can help slow the progression.
The illness is short-lived and usually improves over 7 to 10 days, although a cough may persist.
However, they then worsen over a few days before reaching the peak and beginning to improve.
If severe symptoms arise, such as blue lips or skin or respiratory failure, call 911 immediately.
However, treatments can help slow the progression.
In most cases, acute bronchitis will resolve on its own over time.
Bronchiolitis Treatment
Antibiotics are not effective for bronchiolitis.
In mild cases, your child can be cared for at home.
Hospital treatments may include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and feeding support if required.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the large and small airways of the lungs.
Acute bronchitis is often due to a viral infection.
Chronic bronchitis is a progressive lung disease due to smoking or environmental exposures.
If your child is at high risk for RSV infection, your pediatrician may discuss palivizumab with you.
That way, the treatment can be tailored to your individual needs.
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