Bronchitis is an acute or chronic condition that develops when the tubes that carry oxygen to and from the lungs become inflamed. Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by periodic episodes of airway inflammation. While the symptoms of an asthma attack and bronchitis are similar, bronchitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, whereas asthma symptoms typically flare up in response to environmental irritants, allergens, weather changes or exercise. Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Cold and Allergy Symptoms
Early or mild symptoms of asthma and bronchitis can mimic that of a cold or allergies. According to Merck.com, acute bronchitis caused by a virus or bacteria often causes initial symptoms that include a runny nose, sore throat, chills and muscle aches. In addition to those symptoms, people on the verge of an asthma episode may experience other early warning signs such as sneezing, headaches or nasal congestion, according to ClevelandClinic.com. Some individuals with bronchitis may also develop a low-grade fever.
Shortness of Breath
According to MayoClinic.com, acute and chronic bronchitis can cause shortness of breath. Exerting oneself by, for example, walking up stairs or engaging in mild exercise typically makes breathing even more difficult. Breathing problems are sometimes accompanied with a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the chest. Likewise, those with asthma may lose their breath easily. People with worsening asthma may labor so hard to breathe that the muscles between the ribs can be seen moving in and out during respiration, according to Medline Plus.
During a severe asthma attack, individuals may develop a rapid pulse and find themselves unable to catch their breath at all. Other related symptoms include chest pain, feelings of panic or anxiety, pale and clammy skin, cold sweat and cyanosis—the development of a bluish tint to the lips or face as a result of insufficient oxygen intake. These symptoms are signs of a life-threatening emergency and require immediate medical treatment.
Wheezing
As a result of narrowed breathing airways, people with asthma and chronic or acute bronchitis may begin wheezing, or making a high-pitched whistling sound, while they breathe. Those with asthma may notice the wheezing occurring periodically in brief episodes and then going away, or they may find the wheezing to consistently appear or worsen in the morning or at night, according to Medline Plus. Cold air, exercise and acid reflux or heartburn may all cause the wheezing to become worse.
Wheezing most often occurs when breathing out; however, according to ClevelandClinic.com, wheezing that occurs both when inhaling and exhaling may be a sign of a severe asthma attack and requires prompt medical attention.
Coughing
Individuals with acute or chronic bronchitis typically develop a cough. According to MayoClinic.com, coughing usually produces a clear or yellowish-grey, green or white mucous. Worsening asthma can also cause a persistent cough that continues throughout the day and night, often interrupting sleep and causing fatigue and irritability. Those having a severe asthma episode may be unable to stop coughing at all, according to ClevelandClinic.com. This type of severe cough may be a sign of a life-threatening asthma attack and requires immediate medical care.
