關鍵區別-支氣管炎與上呼吸道感染

雖然支氣管炎和上呼吸道感染都是指呼吸系統問題，但由於感染部位和症狀支氣管樹代表下呼吸道的分流管。支氣管粘膜的炎症稱為支氣管炎。支氣管炎和上呼吸道感染的關鍵區別在於，支氣管炎是一種下呼吸道感染，而上呼吸道感染顧名思義是上呼吸道感染。有時，上呼吸道感染會擴散到支氣管，引起支氣管炎。可能存在上下呼吸道同時受累的情況。

什麼是支氣管炎(bronchitis)？

Bronchitis or inflammation of the bronchi can occur commonly with viral infecti***. These respiratory viruses include respiratory syncytial virus, influenza viruses, etc. Few bacterial infecti*** and tuberculosis can also cause bronchitis. Typically, it causes a productive cough and respiratory wheeze or stridor; these are the sounds that originate in the lower airway. Most of the time, bronchitis per say is rare, and it is usually associated with infection of the surrounding respiratory tract. Bronchitis in vulnerable patients such as infants, elderly, immunocompromised, with other co-morbidities can lead to more serious complicati*** and a worse outcome.  Bronchitis can be two forms based on the duration of symptoms. Acute bronchitis usually lasts for few weeks while chronic bronchitis symptoms last for more than 6 weeks. Long standing **oking can lead to chronic bronchitis due to the damage to bronchial mucosa. Treatment of bronchitis includes antibiotics, antivirals, bronchodilators and steroids as well as supportive measures such as steam inhalation and physiotherapy.

什麼是上呼吸道感染(upper respiratory infection)？

Upper respiratory infecti*** are very common, and we all have experienced at least few episodes during our lives.In most cases, upper respiratory infecti*** are caused by respiratory viruses such as adenovirus and coronavirus. Common symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal block as well as systemic symptoms such as fever, myalgia. Upper respiratory infecti*** are spread by respiratory droplets and through  direct contact with respiratory secreti*** of an affected person. Usually, upper respiratory infecti*** are self-limiting. However, symptomatic treatment such as antihistamines, steroids may be required during the course of the illness. Upper respiratory infecti*** are commonly acquired in crowded places and communities.

支氣管炎(bronchitis)和上呼吸道感染(upper respiratory infection)的區別

支氣管炎和上呼吸道感染的定義

支氣管炎：支氣管炎是支氣管粘膜的炎症。

上呼吸道感染：上呼吸道感染是指鼻、竇、咽、喉的感染。

支氣管炎與上呼吸道感染的特點

解剖

支氣管炎：支氣管炎引起下呼吸道炎症。

上呼吸道感染：上呼吸道感染累及鼻、竇、咽、喉等上呼吸道。

症狀

支氣管炎：支氣管炎主要引起下呼吸道症狀，包括生產性咳嗽、呼吸性氣喘或喘鳴。

上呼吸道感染：上呼吸道感染導致打噴嚏、鼻塞、流鼻涕等。

症狀持續時間

支氣管炎：支氣管炎症狀會持續數週，因為修復受損黏膜需要時間。

上呼吸道感染：上呼吸道感染通常只持續幾天，而且是自限性的。

風險因素

支氣管炎：對於支氣管炎來說，吸菸是眾所周知的危險因素。它能直接損害呼吸道黏膜，受損的黏膜容易感染。

上呼吸道感染：上呼吸道感染在擁擠的社區以及住房設施差的地方很常見。

治療

支氣管炎：支氣管炎通常需要特殊治療，如抗生素和支氣管擴張劑。

上呼吸道感染：輕度上呼吸道感染通常不需要任何治療。

預防

支氣管炎：對於支氣管炎，戒菸是重要的預防措施。