Fatigue, cough … Bronchitis is very common in autumn-winter. This bronchial infection causes symptoms similar to Covid. How to make the difference ? Is the cough the same? When to take a test Tour of the common points and differences with Dr Mehdi Garaoui, general practitioner.
Bronchitis and Covid have a relatively similar clinical picture, with cough and difficulty in breathing in both infections. A lot of fatigue too. What are commonalities between the two diseases? The differences for distinguish them? When is it recommended to take a test? Explanations and advice from Dr Mehdi Garaoui, general practitioner.
What are the typical symptoms of bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a common viral infection in the fall and winter during viral outbreaks. This is’inflammation of the bronchi (lower respiratory tract that carries air from the windpipe to the lungs) that is in 90% of cases of viral origin. Several viruses can be responsible for bronchitis such as: influenza and para-influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, rhinovirus). Most often acute, and frequent in autumn / winter, it heals spontaneously (without antibiotics) by ten days. Symptoms usually go away completely within two to three weeks and are as follows:
- A cough, dried at the beginning then which quickly becomes fatty (productive), that is, accompanied by sputum and coughing up thick mucus (yellow or greenish).
- Pain or burning sensations in the chest (discomfort behind the breastbone) during coughing fits and deep breaths
- Occasionally, moderate fever (not exceeding 38.5 ° C), sometimes with chills
What do bronchitis and Covid have in common?
“There are several common points between a bronchitis and a Covid because the two infections correspond to an attack of the lower respiratory tracts (the bronchi, the lungs …) The two infections cause roughly the same type of symptoms: a cough (because the lower respiratory tract is irritated) which is classically rather oily during bronchitis, and rather dry during Covid (beware, the symptoms fluctuate greatly from one patient to another, dry cough bronchitis exists, as well as fatty cough Covid), feeling of tightness in the chest, ofshortness of breath, of difficulty in breathing (called dyspnea, because of obstruction of the bronchi), sometimes fever. In short, there are few signs that can distinguish the two diseases.“, summarizes our interlocutor.
What are the differences ?
On respiratory damage taken in isolation, the differences are quite small. However, the symptoms may vary slightly. “For example during bronchitis, there is not necessarily a runny nose, unless it is associated with nasopharyngitis“, explains the doctor. Also, bronchitis is frequently associated with other infections, which can complicate the diagnosis. In addition, there are symptoms that are only linked to a Covid such as loss of taste (ageusia) or smell (anosmia). “Other clinical manifestations such as headaches, muscle aches, digestive problems that look like signs of gastro, or cutaneous – particularly described during the first wave in 2020 with an attack of the toes or fingers – can raise suspicion of a Covid while they do not suggest a simple bronchitis“, he continues.
| Symptoms | Bronchitis | Covid-19 |
|---|---|---|
| Cough | Moderate to severe, fatty cough | Moderate to severe, dry cough |
| Fever | Absent or moderate (does not exceed 38.5 ° C) | Important in most cases |
| Runny nose | Uncommon (in isolated bronchitis) | Possible but without nasal obstruction |
| Shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing | Here | Here |
| Loss of taste | Absent | Absent, partial or total |
| Loss of sense of smell | Absent | Absent, partial or total |
| Skin signs (discoloration of fingers or toes, frostbite) | Absent | Possible (eruptions, purpura …) |
| Digestive signs (diarrhea, vomiting) | Absent | Possible (typically described in young children and the elderly) |
The profile of affected patients may also be different. “The smokers are more exposed to bronchitis. These people already have bronchial involvement, even when they are silent, and are therefore more likely to develop lower respiratory tract infections. People who have respiratory diseases or who have had several episodes of asthmatic bronchitis have a field of bronchial hyper-reactivity and are therefore more at risk of getting bronchitis“Says the doctor. These patients are also at greater risk of severe forms of Covid. But the Covid infection can affect anyone.
Different complications. Complications of bronchitis exist, such as pneumopathies, but are rather rare. On the other hand, complications are more frequent with Covid. Congestion of the bronchi can cause respiratory distress, requiring hospitalization. Some patients may still feel symptoms beyond 4 weeks after infection: this is called a long Covid or a post-Covid syndrome. “Covid is known to cause sometimes heavy respiratory problems, but also other impairments : neurological, neurocognitive, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatorenal, metabolic, psychiatric“, details the High Authority of Health.
When to take a test
“Clinically, we have little ability to differentiate between bronchitis and Covid. So the relevant recommendation is to do a test (PCR or antigen) when in doubt about the symptoms, even if we are vaccinated, which will rule out or not a diagnosis of Covid-19“, concludes our expert. Only a Covid test will provide a clear answer. Pending the results, isolate yourself. Finally, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the fever lasts more than 3 days and if the cough persists more than 3 weeks.
Thanks to Dr Mehdi Garaoui, general practitioner.