Bronchitis is a condition that affects the lower respiratory tract, whereas croup affects the upper respiratory tract. These two conditions have different symptoms and treatment options.
Bronchitis is characterized by a persistent cough and increased mucus production. Croup is characterized by a barking cough and inspiratory stridor.
Accurate diagnosis and treatment depend on identifying their unique clinical features. Usually, bronchitis is treated with bronchodilators. Severe croup is treated with corticosteroids.
Bronchitis affects about 5% of adults each year, while croup affects about 3% of children under the age of five each year. In addition, studies have shown that early treatment can reduce the duration of symptoms by up to 50%.
For this reason, I’m here to guide you about the difference, how they occur, and treatment options for bronchitis vs croup.
Bronchitis and Croup
Croup and bronchiolitis along with bronchitis are common childhood respiratory illness, each affects different parts of the respiratory system.
Pediatric respiratory illnesses like bronchiolitis and croup affects children and presents with cough and respiratory distress. Croup mainly affects the upper part like larynx and trachea and causes swelling there, bronchitis is a condition of the lower airways that involves inflammation of the bronchi.
Parents and caregivers must understand that although both can cause respiratory distress, their symptoms and treatment approach are different.
What is Bronchitis?
The bronchial tubes which are the pathways that carry air to and from the lungs gets inflamed in bronchitis. This condition comes in two forms: acute and chronic.
Acute bronchitis is due to viral infection and is short term. Chronic bronchitis is a more serious health issue with symptoms that recurs over time.
Bronchitis Symptoms
The symptoms of bronchitis includes a persistent cough and increased mucus. Along with the cough, people also experience chest discomfort, tiredness and short of breath.
Clinically diagnosed bronchiolitis is a serious and common viral infection in young children, especially those 2-6 months old and has high hospitalization rates and complications.
Take note of these signs.
- A persistent cough for 1-3 weeks
- Mucus secretion which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green
- Tiredness with difficulty of breathing
- Mild respiratory discomfort and chest pain
These mild symptoms usually peaks on the first few days after onset and will subside as time goes by.
Causes of Bronchitis
Most of the time bronchitis is due to viral infections that causes colds and flu. But bacteria and external irritants like pollution and smoke can also trigger it.
The usual suspects of bronchitis are:
- Viral infections (like flu or common cold)
- Bacterial infections
- Environmental irritants like dust, smoke and pollution
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
Acute vs. Chronic Bronchitis
Most acute bronchitis occurs suddenly and is short term, usually resolves within a few weeks without need of medical attention.
Chronic bronchitis is a long term illness with a cough that produces mucus and lasts for at least 3 months with multiple episodes over 2 years or more.
The main difference between bronchitis and croup is that bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes caused by infections or irritants, while croup is a viral infection that causes swelling in the larynx and trachea, leading to a distinct “barking” cough.
Bronchitis typically affects older children and adults, while croup is more common in young children under 5 years. Additionally, bronchitis causes mucus-filled coughing, whereas croup is characterized by noisy breathing and stridor.
| Feature | Bronchitis | Croup |
|---|
| Main Cause | Viral or bacterial infection of the bronchi (airways leading to the lungs). | Viral infection, often caused by parainfluenza viruses. |
| Age Group Affected | Common in both children and adults. | Mostly affects young children (6 months to 5 years). |
| Main Symptom | Persistent cough, often with mucus production. | Barking, seal-like cough with hoarseness. |
| Breathing Sounds | Wheezing or rattling in the chest. | Stridor (high-pitched sound during breathing). |
| Fever | Low-grade fever may occur. | Often accompanied by a mild to moderate fever. |
| Duration | Can last days to weeks, depending on severity. | Typically lasts 3-7 days. |
| Treatment | Rest, fluids, and sometimes antibiotics if bacterial. | Cool mist humidifier, hydration, and sometimes steroids for severe cases. |
| Contagious? | Can be contagious if caused by a virus. | Highly contagious, especially in daycare or school settings. |
| Affected Area | Lower respiratory tract (bronchi). | Upper respiratory tract (larynx and trachea). |
| Distinctive Signs | Mucus-filled cough and chest discomfort. | Barking cough and difficulty breathing. |
What is Croup?
Croup causes swelling of the larynx and trachea which manifests with a barking cough and hoarse voice. The condition is due to viral infections with parainfluenza virus being one of the common culprits.
In some cases a child may have had a previous respiratory tract infection which can be related to the onset of croup symptoms.
Croup Symptoms, including Barking Cough
Croup has a set of symptoms, a barking cough that sounds like a seal. To assess the severity of the condition, healthcare providers use croup disease severity scores.
Sudden upper airway obstruction is a serious concern in croup especially in young children as it can cause morbidity and stridor, a high pitched wheezing sound of airway narrowing.
Among the usual symptoms of croup are:
- A characteristic barking cough
- Breathing difficulties
- Barking Cough
- Hoarseness
- Inspiratory stridor (a sharp wheezing sound during inhalation)
- Symptoms worsen at night and can be triggered by stress or exertion
Read More : What is hMPV : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention
Croup Causes, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Croup is due to viral infections, RSV infection and flu are among the common culprits.
Other viruses that causes croup are adenovirus, rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus. The usual culprits are:
- RSV
- Flu
- Parainfluenza virus
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus
Mild vs. Severe Croup
Children with pre-existing respiratory problems or neuromuscular disorders are at higher risk of severe croup symptoms.
However severe croup may require additional treatment or hospitalization to address more severe symptoms and high risk patients.
In severe croup it may need immediate medical attention and interventions like corticosteroids and nebulized epinephrine to reduce airway inflammation and prevent life threatening complications.
Bronchitis vs Croup
The age group affected by bronchitis and croup, the part of the respiratory tract they affect and their symptoms are vastly different. Croup affects infants and toddlers while bronchitis can affect anyone of any age.
Croup or bronchiolitis are common respiratory infections in children, known to be contagious and transmitted in a specific way.
Age Range
Croup affects children 6 months to 6 years old, most common in the 2nd year of life. Bronchitis is more common in older children and adults but can occur at any age.
Respiratory Tract Involvement
Inflammation of the lower respiratory tract which affects the lungs and has many symptoms is caused by bronchitis.
Croup affects the upper respiratory tract. It causes airway obstruction that can be sudden due to swelling of the larynx and trachea.
In some cases airway obstruction becomes severe which is a critical part of managing the condition and addressing the risk of complications.
Clinical Presentation
The symptoms of croup is a barking cough and inspiratory stridor while bronchitis is a cough with mucus and difficulty of breathing.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Of course, diagnosis is done during clinical assessment which may include rapid antigen detection testing if necessary. Croup is diagnosed by symptoms and pattern of symptoms.
The success rate of treatment varies. That’s why precise diagnosis is important to give right medical treatment.
Diagnosing Bronchitis
Physicians will do a physical examination to diagnose bronchitis, checking for symptoms such as cough and mucus production. They will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs for abnormal sounds.
For chronic bronchitis lung function tests may be needed. Sputum tests are useful in detecting infections that needs antibiotics.
Chest X-ray can also be useful in differentiating bronchitis from pneumonia especially in smokers. This imaging test helps physicians to make accurate diagnosis in these patients.
Treating Bronchitis
To relieve bronchitis symptoms, use of medications like bronchodilators is common. Antibiotics are only prescribed if there’s a suspicion of bacterial infection.
Take Note: Avoid taking any medications without consulting your doctor or having a prescription. I strongly recommend getting your doctor’s advice first.
Diagnosing Croup
As you can see, diagnosis of croup is made by observing its clinical features and symptoms. These are barking cough, hoarseness and stridor. The ‘steeple sign’ can be seen on neck x-ray which is a sign of viral croup.
Viral croup diagnosis doesn’t require viral cultures as clinical signs are enough for diagnosis.
Croup Treatment and Respiratory Distress Management
Mild croup can be treated at home. Severe croup requires emergency attention as symptoms can be life threatening. To reduce airway swelling during severe croup episodes corticosteroids and nebulized epinephrine are given.
Treatment of croup is focused on symptom relief and better breathing.
- Dexamethasone injection or oral
- Nebulized epinephrine for severe cases
- Humidified air for mild cases
The interventions for viral croup works by reducing agitation and feeling of needing air after treatment.
Prevention
Good hygiene is key to preventing the spread of bronchitis and croup. Washing hands regularly can remove microbes and prevent getting the condition.
Since bronchitis and croup is transmitted through direct exposure to respiratory secretions, cleanliness of surfaces and limiting interaction with infected individuals is key to preventing respiratory infections.
Preventing Bronchitis
Not smoking and secondhand smoke reduces the risk of bronchitis. Avoiding pollutants and good respiratory hygiene can also prevent bronchitis.
Preventing Croup
Keeping children up to date with vaccinations can help prevent serious upper airway infections that can cause croup.
Regular disinfection of surfaces often touched and teaching children to cough or sneeze into their elbow can reduce the transmission of croup causing agents.
Apply what you learned and make wise decisions about your health especially with bronchitis vs croup.
