Understanding the Connection between COVID and Bronchitis: What You Need to Know

Health conditions are rapidly evolving, which can prove challenging to determine the cause of your symptoms.

For instance, having a persistent cough or body ache can leave you wondering about the cause of your symptoms. Is it bronchitis, COVID-19, or a bad flu? Generally, COVID-19 and acute bronchitis affect a patient’s respiratory tract.

On the other hand, COVID-19 and bronchitis share similar symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and body aches. Research also highlights that people with chronic conditions like hypertension or acute bronchitis have a higher risk of complications after contracting COVID-19.

Ultimately, there’s a strong connection between COVID-19 and bronchitis— understanding the point at which COVID and bronchitis intersect can lead to better health outcomes. Consider visiting a trusted urgent care center to find holistic treatment and care for respiratory tract infections.

 

Unraveling the COVID-Bronchitis Link: Insights into the Relationship Between Two Respiratory Illnesses

Bronchitis is an inflammation of bronchial tubes that facilitates air exchange from and to the lungs. In addition to a chronic dry cough, patients experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.

Some bronchitis symptoms include a deep and prolonged cough from inside the lungs that brings mucus to the surface. In severe cases of COVID, a patient can develop bronchitis.

It’s worth noting that bronchitis doesn’t cause COVID nor increase the chances of infection. Even so, if you have chronic bronchitis or other health problems like asthma, you risk getting severely ill if you contract COVID.

 

COVID and Bronchitis: Exploring the Correlation and Its Implications for Your Health

There are two clear dangers of COVID and Bronchitis; you can get a severe form of covid or develop bronchitis if you already have COVID.

Potential Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis affects patients briefly and is often called a cold chest. It’s caused by a viral infection that causes colds and flu. Interestingly, it also is a symptom of COVID-19. Generally, all viruses that affect the respiratory tract, including COVID, can cause bronchitis.

The interaction between COVID and bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, an infection that attacks the tiny sacs of the lung.

Dangers of Having a Severe Form of COVID

Most patients infected with COVID get mild symptoms treatable at home. Unfortunately, underlying health conditions like chronic bronchitis increase the chances of developing complications.

A severe form of COVID can result in the following conditions;

 

• Acute Respiratory Failure: It’s a condition that affects the ability of a lung to pump enough oxygen into your lungs or take out carbon dioxide. Acute respiratory failure is the primary cause of death for COVID patients.

 

• Acute Liver Injury: In addition to the lungs, the liver suffers the most significant damage, which is why acute liver injury is a possible complication. Acute liver injury can lead to blood infections, cerebral edema, bleeding disorders, and kidney failure.

 

• Acute Cardiac Injury: A severe form of  COVID also leads to heart problems such as arrhythmias. It’s not clear whether the virus infects the patient’s heart. However, the stress linked with COVID may cause acute cardiac injury and other long-term cardiac issues.

 

• Blood Clots: COVID may also result in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation(DIC), a condition that causes the body’s blood clotting response to work differently from its design. As a result, the body develops unusual clots that often result in internal bleeding, organ failure, or death.

 

From Coughs to Fever: Symptoms of COVID and Bronchitis Compared and Contrasted

COVID is a highly contagious disease that majorly spreads through respiratory droplets inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed via mucus membranes. Many COVID cases display mild to no symptoms at all.

The common symptoms of COVID include;

• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Nasal Congestion
• Headaches
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of taste or smell

Fortunately, a mild form of COVID can resolve itself within 10-14 days without any form of medication.

On the other hand, bronchitis is an inflammation of bronchial tubes because of a viral or bacterial infection. 

Symptoms of bronchitis include;

• Fatigue
• A Whistling cough
• Chest discomfort
• A mild fever and chills
• Shortness of breath
• Cold symptoms like body aches or headaches
• A cough with clear or colored mucus

 

Only a board-certified physician who relies on proper testing capabilities can tell whether you have COVID or bronchitis. However, there are critical differentiators between COVID and bronchitis.

For instance, COVID is likely to cause a dry cough with fever, chills, diarrhea, and loss of taste and smell. On the contrary, bronchitis is linked with a wet cough.

Your symptoms are most likely linked with COVID if they appear in the following order;

1. A low-grade fever that worsens over time
2. Cough and muscle pain
3. Nausea or Vomiting
4. Diarrhea

Knowledge is Power: Understanding the Intersection of COVID and Bronchitis to Stay Informed and Prepared

Many people with COVID develop mild symptoms but can still spread the virus. Therefore, avoid interacting with infected people if you have chronic bronchitis and other underlying health conditions. 

Remember, if you’re battling bronchitis, you’re at risk of complications; therefore, take the following actions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid contact with people who traveled in high-risk areas in the past 2 weeks.
• Wear a face mask in crowded and closed spaces
• Stay away from infected people
• Follow local health directives concerning bronchitis and COVID-19

 Lastly, get a COVID test and treatment if you notice symptoms like cough, fever, diarrhea, the new loss of taste and smell, headache, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and shortness of breath.

Visit Newport Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine to Find Relief for Covid or Bronchitis

Severe respiratory tract infections like COVID or acute bronchitis require timely care to avoid complications. Fortunately, urgent care centers provide COVID testing services and physical exams to keep you updated on your health status.

At Newport Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine, we have well-trained and friendly physicians ready to support you in overcoming Covid or bronchitis.

Contact us online or call us at 949.752.6300 to learn more about our services.