Bronchitis vs. Croup — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, typically affecting adults, while croup is a viral infection of the airway, mainly seen in young children.
Difference Between Bronchitis and Croup
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bronchitis involves the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs, leading to persistent cough and mucus production. On the other hand, croup primarily affects the larynx and trachea in children, causing a distinctive barking cough and stridor.
The causes of bronchitis are often viral infections but can also include smoking and air pollution. Whereas croup is typically caused by parainfluenza viruses and affects children between 6 months and 3 years primarily.
Symptoms of bronchitis include a deep, hacking cough, wheezing, and discomfort in the chest. Meanwhile, croup is characterized by a sudden onset of a harsh, barking cough, hoarseness, and noisy breathing.
Treatment for bronchitis may involve rest, increased fluid intake, and sometimes antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. In contrast, croup is often managed at home with humidified air and hydration, though severe cases may require medical intervention.
While bronchitis can recur and become chronic, particularly in smokers or those with chronic respiratory issues, croup usually resolves on its own within a week and rarely leads to further complications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Viral infection affecting the larynx and trachea.
Common in
Adults and elderly.
Young children, especially aged 6 months to 3 years.
Symptoms
Persistent cough, mucus, wheezing, chest discomfort
Barking cough, hoarseness, stridor.
Causes
Viral infections, smoking, pollution.
Parainfluenza viruses.
Treatment
Rest, fluids, sometimes antibiotics.
Humidified air, hydration, sometimes steroids.
Compare with Definitions
Bronchitis
Leads to persistent cough and phlegm.
Her bronchitis caused weeks of disruptive coughing.
Croup
Viral respiratory infection seen in children.
The toddler was diagnosed with croup after showing symptoms.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the lung airways.
He developed bronchitis after a severe cold.
Croup
Characterized by a loud barking cough.
The distinctive cough of croup alarmed the parents.
Bronchitis
Often managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Managing bronchitis often requires stopping smoking.
Croup
Caused mainly by parainfluenza virus.
Most cases of croup are due to a parainfluenza infection.
Bronchitis
Enhanced by smoking and pollutants.
Long-term exposure to industrial dust can lead to bronchitis.
Croup
Usually treated at home with moist air.
Using a humidifier can help alleviate croup symptoms.
Bronchitis
Can become a long-standing health issue.
Chronic bronchitis is a common problem in smokers.
Croup
Can sometimes lead to breathing difficulties.
Severe croup might require a hospital visit.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) in the lungs that causes coughing. Symptoms include coughing up sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Croup
Croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis, is a type of respiratory infection that is usually caused by a virus. The infection leads to swelling inside the trachea, which interferes with normal breathing and produces the classic symptoms of "barking/brassy" cough, stridor, and a hoarse voice.
Bronchitis
Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.
Croup
A pathological condition of the larynx, especially in infants and children, that is characterized by respiratory difficulty and a hoarse, brassy cough.
Bronchitis
(uncountable) An inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs, that causes the cilia of the bronchial epithelial cells to stop functioning.
Croup
The rump of a beast of burden, especially a horse.
Bronchitis
(countable) An occurrence of, a case (patient) of, or a type of bronchitis.
Croup
The top of the rump of a horse or other quadruped.
Bronchitis
Inflammation, acute or chronic, of the bronchial tubes or any part of them.
Croup
(pathology) An infectious illness of the larynx, especially in young children, causing respiratory difficulty.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchial tubes
Croup
To croak, make a hoarse noise.
Croup
The hinder part or buttocks of certain quadrupeds, especially of a horse; hence, the place behind the saddle.
So light to the croup the fair lady he swung,So light to the saddle before her he sprung.
Croup
An inflammatory affection of the larynx or trachea, accompanied by a hoarse, ringing cough and stridulous, difficult breathing; esp., such an affection when associated with the development of a false membrane in the air passages (also called membranous croup). See False croup, under False, and Diphtheria.
Croup
A disease of infants and young children; harsh coughing and hoarseness and fever and difficult breathing
Croup
The part of a quadruped that corresponds to the human buttocks
Common Curiosities
How are bronchitis and croup similar?
Both are respiratory conditions, but bronchitis is more common in adults while croup affects young children.
Can bronchitis become a chronic condition?
Yes, particularly due to factors like smoking and environmental pollutants.
What are the primary treatments for croup?
Managing mild croup involves humidified air and hydration; severe cases may need medical intervention.
What is bronchitis and who does it commonly affect?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often affecting adults and smokers.
How does croup manifest in children?
Croup leads to a distinctive barking cough and breathing difficulties.
What triggers bronchitis?
It can be triggered by viruses, smoking, or environmental irritants.
Is croup contagious?
Yes, it is contagious as it is caused by a virus.
What symptoms require medical attention in bronchitis?
Persistent, high fevers or symptoms worsening over time should be medically evaluated.
How long does a croup cough last?
Typically, the symptoms of croup last for about a week.
Can adults get croup?
It is rare, but adults can develop croup, typically with milder symptoms.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
