Compare and Contrast of Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Compare and Contrast of Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Introduction

Bronchitis and Pneumonia are considered as the most harmful and chronic diseases which may greatly affect the health and personal well being of the individual. These diseases may significantly harm the lungs as well as the respiratory system of the human beings. Bronchitis is considered as the most dangerous and harmful respiratory disease. In the Bronchitis, the mucus membrane in the lung's bronchial channels becomes swollen. This phenomenon results in the form of coughing and in some cases to breathlessness. This disease greatly harms the respiratory system as well as the lungs and may lead the patient to severe consequences. On the other hand, Pneumonia is another severe disease of lungs and respiratory system (Bartlett, et.al., 2010).

Pneumonia is referred as the swelling of lung's tissues. This swelling usually occurs in both or sometimes in single ling. Researches shows that, this disease usually occur due to infection. According to several medical researches and case studies, pneumonia is more dangerous than bronchitis. The proceeding paper incorporates the compare and contrast of the diseases, pneumonia and bronchitis. The paper also demonstrates the comparison of pathophysiology, medical or nursing management, clinical manifestations and prognosis of pneumonia and bronchitis (Suarez & Ortega, 2011).

Discussion

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is referred as one of the severe and harmful respiratory diseases. In the disease of bronchitis, the mucus membrane in the lung's bronchial channels becomes swollen. This swelling results in the form of cough, fast heartbeat and even breathlessness. Recent researches and case studies demonstrate that bronchitis has two forms, named as chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis. It is often observed that the patients of asthma also suffer from asthmatic bronchitis (Bartlett, et.al., 2010).

Pathophysiology of Bronchitis

It is often observed that, short term and temporary pain of the respiratory systems may lead the patient towards inflammation or swelling and may cause asthmatic bronchitis and acute bronchitis. On the other hand, the long term or permanent irritation or pain may lead the patient towards structural changes. These structural changes may cause chronic asthmatic bronchitis and chronic bronchitis (Bartlett, et.al., 2010).

Acute Bronchitis Pathophysiology

In the situation of acute bronchitis, an infection of respiratory system may lead the pateient towards the swelling of bronchial wall. This situation may cause bronchus's edema and enhanced production of phlegm, sputum or mucus. Along with the increase in the infection, the situation usually becomes more severe and may lead the patient to severe circumstances. It is often observed that, in most of the people, this infection clears within few days. On the other hand, the restoration of bronchial wall may take the longer time. Several factors including immune disorders or deficiencies, long term or permanent illnesses, immobilization, elderly and smoking may cause acute bronchitis (Bartlett, et.al., 2010).

Asthmatic Bronchitis Pathophysiology

According to recent researches and surveys, when the acute bronchitis contracts asthma patients, it results in the form of asthmatic bronchitis. Therefore, the pathophysiology of acute bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis are approximately similar to each other (Bartlett, ...