Bronchitis vs Strep Throat: Key Differences in Symptoms and Treatment

Bronchitis vs Strep Throat - How to Tell the Difference

Bronchitis and strep throat are two common respiratory conditions that share some similar symptoms like sore throat, cough, and fatigue. However, they are distinct infections caused by different bacteria or viruses.

Knowing the key differences between bronchitis and strep throat allows faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the typical signs and progression of each illness can help you identify which one you may have if you come down with a sore throat and cough.

Bronchitis Overview

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the air passages that carry air into your lungs. There are two main types:

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is temporary bronchial inflammation usually caused by a viral infection. The same viruses that cause colds and flu can often lead to acute bronchitis. It generally lasts around 1-3 weeks.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is defined as a recurring cough with mucus production lasting at least 3 months of the year, for 2 consecutive years. It's commonly caused by irritation from cigarette smoke or air pollution.

Strep Throat Overview

Strep throat is specifically an infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It leads to inflammation and irritation of the throat and tonsils.

Strep throat is very contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Close contact with someone with strep can easily allow transmission of the bacteria.

Comparing Symptoms: Bronchitis vs Strep

While bronchitis and strep throat share some general symptoms, there are key differences that set them apart:

Cough

A cough is one of the main symptoms of bronchitis, often severe and persistent. Cough is not a primary strep throat symptom, though some coughing may occur.

Phlegm

Thick, discolored phlegm is common with bronchitis as the lungs produce excess mucus. Strep throat does not usually cause phlegmatic coughing up mucus.

Sore throat

While sore throat can occur with bronchitis, it is the hallmark symptom of strep throat with more severe pain. Strep causes throat inflammation and painful swallowing.

Fever

Low grade fever can accompany bronchitis. Strep throat often causes a higher fever over 101F. Sudden high fever suggests strep infection.

Fatigue

Both illnesses can cause tiredness and fatigue. But extreme exhaustion is more common with strep as the body fights the bacterial infection.

Duration

Acute bronchitis normally improves within 1-3 weeks. Strep throat lasts around 5-7 days with antibiotic treatment, longer if untreated.

Headaches

Bronchitis may trigger sinus headaches. Throbbing headaches are more common with strep throat.

Body aches

Achy muscles and joints are more associated with strep throat than bronchitis.

Other Distinguishing Factors

Some other factors that can help distinguish bronchitis from strep throat include:

Age

Bronchitis can affect people of any age. Strep throat is most common in children 5-15 years old.

Seasonality

Bronchitis more often occurs in winter. Strep throat peaks in late winter and spring.

Nausea/vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can occur with strep throat, uncommon with bronchitis.

Rash

A strep rash with red bumpy patches develops in some strep cases. No rash occurs with bronchitis.

Exposure

Bronchitis often follows cold or flu virus exposure. Strep frequently occurs after contact with an infected person.

Lung function

Bronchitis inflames airways and reduces oxygen exchange. Strep does not affect lungs.

Allergies

Those with allergies are at higher risk of acute bronchitis. Allergies dont increase strep throat risk.

Diagnosing Bronchitis vs Strep

Definitively diagnosing either bronchitis or strep throat requires medical testing:

Bronchitis diagnosis

The doctor listens to the lungs with a stethoscope for wheezing, crackling, and reduced air entry. A chest x-ray may show inflamed bronchial tubes. Oxygen levels may be checked.

Strep throat diagnosis

The doctor swabs the throat and tonsils to test for Streptococcus bacteria. A rapid strep test provides results in minutes. Throat culture provides definitive results in 48 hours.

Without testing, it can be difficult to clinically distinguish bronchitis from strep throat. Doctors use a combination of medical history, risk factors, physical exam, vital signs, and lab tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

Bronchitis vs Strep Treatment

Bronchitis and strep throat are treated differently based on the underlying cause:

Bronchitis treatment

Since most acute bronchitis is viral, antibiotics are not effective. Treatment focuses on symptom relief: cough suppressants, expectorants, fever reducers, etc. Inhaled bronchodilators like albuterol may be prescribed for wheezing.

Strep throat treatment

Doctors prescribe antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin to treat the streptococcal bacterial infection. Symptom relievers are also used for pain and fever. Full treatment is important to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.

Preventing Bronchitis vs Strep Throat

You can help prevent both illnesses with some simple precautions:

• Wash hands thoroughly and often to avoid transmitting viruses and bacteria
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms
• Sanitize shared surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, etc.
• Don't share food, drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes
• Get an annual flu vaccine to reduce bronchitis risk
• Stay home when sick and limit exposure to others

While difficult to completely prevent, understanding the differences between bronchitis vs strep throat allows for earlier diagnosis. This ensures you get the right treatment and take steps to avoid transmitting illness.

Key Takeaways - Bronchitis vs Strep Throat

Bronchitis and strep throat share some general symptoms but have key differences. Bronchitis primarily causes cough, phlegm, and chest congestion. Strep mainly results in severe sore throat and fever. While testing is needed for a definitive diagnosis, knowing the typical signs of each can help identify the likely cause when you come down with a respiratory illness.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.