Bronchitis Vs Cold

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. It can be caused by viral infections, bacteria, or irritants such as smoke and pollution. Symptoms often include a persistent cough, production of mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis typically lasts for a few weeks and is often associated with a cold or respiratory infection, while chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that can result from repeated irritation of the airways, often due to smoking or long-term exposure to irritants.

A cold, also known as a viral upper respiratory infection, is primarily caused by viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common culprit. It is characterized by symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild headache, and cough. Colds are usually mild and self-limiting, lasting about a week or two. They are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.