Chronic bronchitis and emphysema, what is the difference?

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Just like the causes of COPD, the second main cause of these diseases is smoking. The symptoms of chronic bronchitis and emphysema look similar. No wonder many people still mistakenly think these two diseases are the same. So, what is the difference between chronic bronchitis and emphysema? Come on, see the following reviews.

What is the meaning of chronic bronchitis and emphysema?

Quoted from the National Emphysema Foundation, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two conditions that often appear together, leading to COPD. Both of these diseases are incurable and can continue to develop.

Before understanding the difference, you need to listen to the explanation for the understanding of each of the following conditions.

Chronic bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (bronchial), the air tubes that branch into the lungs to the right and left. Bronchi function to channel air in and out of the lungs.

Chronic bronchitis is inflammation that appears in the long term, that is, almost every day of the month, three months of the year. This condition occurred for two consecutive years.

There are many causes of bronchitis, from infection to exposure to air pollution. However, the most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. Less than 10 percent of bronchitis cases are caused by bacterial infection.

If left untreated, bronchial inflammation can become chronic and can last for months to years. The intensity of the symptoms is also more severe than that of acute inflammation.

This is because gradually, inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes will further increase the production of lung mucus which makes it difficult for you to breathe freely. In fact, this disease can result in permanent airway damage.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a disease caused by the gradual swelling of the alveoli. Alveoli are air sacs in the lungs. Emphysema causes the alveoli to weaken and gradually collapse.

This condition can make the lungs shrink, so that air exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) is disturbed or does not occur at all. As a result, the amount of oxygen that is supposed to reach the bloodstream is very limited. This makes it difficult for people with emphysema to breathe, especially when exercising.

What is the difference between chronic bronchitis and emphysema?

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are both lung diseases whose main cause is smoking. However, these two diseases still have their own differences that you need to understand and be aware of.

1. The part of the lung that is attacked

Human lung anatomy

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema affect different parts of the lung. Chronic bronchitis infection will cause inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, the airways that branch into the right and left lungs. As explained above, bronchi should function to channel air in and out of the lungs.

Meanwhile, emphysema will cause damage to the alveoli. The alveoli are clusters of tiny sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange with blood.

2. Symptoms

Both of these conditions make sufferers both have lower stamina and easily get tired after doing activities. Then, you will find it difficult to breathe freely and your blood will contain less oxygen.

The symptom that distinguishes emphysema and chronic bronchitis is shortness of breath. As are common symptoms of COPD, emphysema will cause shortness of breath which can get worse day by day. At first, shortness of breath will only be felt after walking a long way. However, over time it can also be experienced while sitting relaxed or not doing any physical activity.

Apart from shortness of breath, people with emphysema will experience other symptoms, such as:

• Decreased alertness
• The nails of the hands turn blue or gray after physical activity
• Difficulty doing strenuous activities because shortness of breath gets worse
• Weight loss
• Faster heart rate

Meanwhile, Chronic bronchitis does not cause shortness of breath. Generally, their breath will be shortened as their cough gets worse. Coughing is the body's way of reducing excess mucus. However, because bronchitis makes the lungs keep producing mucus, the cough will also get more frequent and worse.

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are known as progressive diseases. This means that it took a long time for both of them to show real symptoms.

That's why most cases are only detected when the condition has worsened. What's more, your condition can also get worse over time if you don't get the right treatment. Many people who have chronic bronchitis but don't get treatment end up developing emphysema too.