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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Bronchitis and Whooping Cough?

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Bronchitis and whooping cough (pertussis) are both respiratory problems with similar symptoms, but they differ in terms of their causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Here are the main differences between the two:

  • Definition: Bronchitis is the inflammation of the large and medium-sized airways (bronchi) of the lungs, while whooping cough (pertussis) is an infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, marked by catarrh of the respiratory tract and peculiar paroxysms of cough, ending in a prolonged crowing or whooping respiration.
  • Cause: Bronchitis is commonly caused by viruses, while whooping cough is almost always caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.
  • Diagnosis: Doctors can sometimes diagnose whooping cough simply by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. In contrast, the diagnosis of bronchitis typically involves examining the patient's medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests such as chest X-rays or blood tests.
  • Treatment: Antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin are the treatment of choice for whooping cough. On the other hand, bronchitis treatment usually involves managing symptoms with over-the-counter medications, as most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses.
  • Complications: Complications of whooping cough can include dehydration, pulmonary hypertension, bacterial pneumonia, bronchiectasis, temporary cessation of breathing (apnea), convulsions, seizures, middle ear infection, and hernia (usually in the groin) due to excessive coughing. Complications of bronchitis may include pneumonia and respiratory failure.
  • Prevention: Whooping cough can be prevented by vaccination, while bronchitis prevention strategies are more focused on maintaining respiratory health and avoiding exposure to respiratory viruses.
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  • What is the Difference Between Bronchitis and Whooping Cough?
  • Comparative Table: Bronchitis vs Whooping Cough

    • Comparative Table: Bronchitis vs Whooping Cough

    Here is a table comparing the differences between bronchitis and whooping cough:

    Feature Bronchitis Whooping Cough
    Causes Usually caused by viral infections, such as influenza A and B, parainfluenza, coronavirus, human metabneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Bacterial infections, like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis, are less common causes. Caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium.
    Symptoms Dry, irritating cough that may progress to producing sputum, mild fever, and fatigue. Starts as a common cold with low-grade fever, mild coughing, runny nose, and diarrhea. As it progresses, coughing becomes more severe with paroxysms of cough accompanied by an inspiratory whoop or posttussive emesis.
    Duration Cough typically persists for 10 to 20 days, with a median duration of 18 days. Cough can last for 100 days or longer if left untreated.
    Diagnosis Acute bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by cough due to acute inflammation of the trachea and large airways without evidence of pneumonia. Diagnosed using multiplex polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) testing of nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates, which helps diagnose infections attributed to specific bacteria, such as B. pertussis.
    Treatment Acute bronchitis is usually self-limiting and typically resolves on its own without antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics can help reduce symptom severity and duration, and are recommended for treating whooping cough.
    Prevention There is no vaccine available for bronchitis. Prevention strategies include vaccination, covering mouth when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands frequently.

    In summary, bronchitis is usually caused by viral infections and is characterized by a persistent cough, while whooping cough is a bacterial infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium and is characterized by a severe, prolonged cough with a whooping sound.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.