The difference between bronchitis and tracheitis.

Written by An Yong Peng

Pulmonology

Updated on February 12, 2025

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Bronchitis and tracheitis are not standardized diagnoses. For bronchitis, it often refers to acute bronchitis, while tracheitis often refers to chronic bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is an infectious respiratory disease, which mostly presents with symptoms of coughing, and may also be accompanied by sputum production and chest tightness. However, the condition of the patient is usually completely curable.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a chronic respiratory disease. This condition can manifest as chronic cough, sputum production, and chest tightness, and the patient's condition may progress gradually, even possibly complicating with chronic respiratory failure and cor pulmonale.

Therefore, chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis are two completely different diseases. Additionally, it is important to note that sometimes bronchitis may also refer to chronic bronchitis, and tracheitis may also refer to acute bronchitis, so it is impossible to completely distinguish between bronchitis and tracheitis.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

1min 3sec

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How to manage acute bronchitis

First, it is important to rest in bed during the acute phase, drink plenty of water, keep warm, and the main principle is to control the infection and provide symptomatic treatment. For instance, patients with significant fever and those whose sputum has turned purulent should choose antibiotics early, such as intramuscular penicillin injections or oral co-trimoxazole. Generally, the medication can be stopped 1-3 days after the fever subsides. For symptomatic treatment, antipyretic analgesics such as aspirin can be used to address symptoms like fever, headache, and general fatigue. Regularly, one should strengthen their cold resistance through exercise, it is suggested to wash the face with cold water throughout the year, and to exercise more to boost immune capabilities. Pay attention to environmental hygiene, improve occupational and public health standards. Prevent the inhalation of irritant gases and dust into the respiratory tract. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific circumstances.)

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

43sec

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How is acute bronchitis treated?

Firstly, general treatment involves plenty of rest, drinking water, quitting smoking, avoiding strenuous activities, and so on. Secondly, medication is used, starting with symptomatic treatment. For example, for a cough with little or no phlegm, cough suppressants can be used; for thick sputum, expectorants are needed; antipyretic analgesics can be used for fever; and if there is bronchospasm accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath, asthma medication is necessary. Additionally, the use of antibiotics is dependent on evidence of bacterial infection, and common types such as macrolides, penicillins, and cephalosporins must be used under the guidance of a physician.

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

33sec

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Symptoms of bronchitis

If it is acute bronchitis, the onset is usually quite sudden and symptoms may include fever, cough, and expectoration. Some patients may experience bloody sputum or symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath. Coughing and expectoration often continue for two to three weeks, after which most patients can recover. If it is chronic bronchitis, the onset is often gradual, and symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, and wheezing occur repeatedly. The episodes each year may last for more than three months.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

54sec

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Does acute bronchitis cause fever?

First, we need to know that acute bronchitis refers to the acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosa caused by biological, physical, chemical stimulation, or allergens. The main symptoms in most patients are cough and expectoration. The cough usually presents as a dry cough or a small amount of viscous sputum. Over time, the amount of sputum may increase, or the cough may worsen. A small proportion of patients may have bloody sputum. The cough and expectoration can last for two to three weeks, and in very rare cases, some patients may develop chronic bronchitis if the condition does not resolve. However, for most patients, the primary manifestations are still localized, that is, symptoms like cough and sputum. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, generally present mildly.

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

45sec

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What to watch out for with acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is still relatively common in clinical practice. So, what should be paid attention to when one has acute bronchitis? First, it is important to rest, avoid staying up late, avoid fatigue, drink more water, and quit smoking. Second, regarding medication, it is necessary to use drugs scientifically under the guidance of a physician, including the use of antibiotics, cough suppressants, and expectorants, among others. Additionally, acute bronchitis should be taken seriously. It is important to cooperate fully with the doctor's treatment and not to neglect it, as neglect may delay treatment and lead to the transformation into chronic bronchitis, which would be more troublesome.