Differences Between Asthma & Bronchitis
Asthma and bronchitis are both breathing conditions. Both occur when the airways, or bronchial tubes, become inflamed and restricted. Although similar, there is a large difference between the two.
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Causes
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Bronchitis is caused by an infection, and usually occurs during a respiratory infection or cold. Bronchitis can become permanent, which is termed as chronic bronchitis, but normal bronchitis is curable. Asthma's cause is unclear, though it is believed that environmental factors such as smoking and genetics play a large part. Asthma is permanent, unlike bronchitis.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of bronchitis include coughing, wheezing, fatigue, chest pain, fever and mucus. Symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, wheezing, excessive coughing, trouble sleeping and breathing difficulties.
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Risks
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Those who smoke and have a lowered immune system have a higher chance of developing bronchitis. Chances of asthma increase for those who have a family history of it, second hand smoke, smoking, low birth weight and being overweight.
Complications
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Bronchitis can lead to other complications such as chronic bronchitis, asthma and other lung disorders. Asthma can lead to severe asthma attacks which completely restrict the airways and cause breathing to be impossible. It can also cause permanent damage to the airways.
Treatments
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Treatments for bronchitis include antibiotics, humidifiers and cough medicines. Asthma is typically treated with inhalers, allergy medications and humidifiers.
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